This running race through the Transkei began last year. The idea is that it starts at Mandela's house and follows the route he took as a child to his closest clinic at Miller mission station. Last year, security outside Mandela's house were not so happy with the race starting there, so this year it began a few kilometers away. The 32 kilometer route can be run by individuals or as a team. The plan for the Zithulele gang was to have two teams with people doing increments of 4 kms. JT and Kate started off for us, planning to do 16kms, but ended up doing the whole thing! So the others (Megan, Joff, Jo, Asanda and Sam) just slotted in when they felt like it - all very chilled. I didn't run because i volunteered to head up the support team. So i drove the route taking photos, cheering them on and stopping every 4 kms to make sure the runners were getting water. Karen the determined cyclist rode the route on her bike.
Sam was thrilled to drive JT's car. Below is the church were the clinic Mandela visited was held. Although accessibility to health care has improved a lot since his childhood, there is still a long way to go.
The champions! (minus Karen)
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