Hosted by the Thabazimbi Marathon Club in collaboration with the SANParks Honorary Rangers, the race aims to deliver a successful marathon that provide the runners with an opportunity to experience running in the wild i.e. inside a national park, as well as a chance to qualify for the annually held Comrades marathon.
Participants can choose to complete one of three races, namely the full marathon which is 42.2 km, a half marathon which is 21.1 km or a 10 km race. There is also a 5 km fun run for the whole family, which is very popular among children and casual supporters. Participants are limited to 300 runners per race and there is no limit on the 5 km fun run.
Apart from supporting the event with a total prize money of more than R50 000 to male and female runners, Kumba's involvement is to support conservation and stimulate tourism in the local community which provides much needed jobs and economic development. The marathon is one of many development initiatives that Kumba is involved with in the area. Others include a training centre in Thabazimbi, which offers a variety of short courses to community members and the company invested R16 million in a bio-energy and organic vegetable project to the community of Regorogile in September 2014.
Yvonne Mfolo, executive head public affairs of Kumba Iron Ore, said that strategic sport sponsorships in the areas in which it operates are important to the company as it has a positive impact on community development.
"We are proud to support the Kumba Marekele Marathon as it not only brings communities and business together, but drives social change and gives us the opportunity to connect with the people of the Limpopo province in particular and South Africa in general", Yvonne said.
Kumba believes that it needs to be a developmental partner for the communities in which it operates, and recognises that its social licence to operate depends on fostering and enhancing partnerships with its host communities.
Johan Taljaard, Park Manager of Marakele National Park, said that SANParks is committed to its vision of "A sustainable National Parks system connecting society" and providing controlled access to the park for events like this marathon is testimony to SANParks' commitment towards its people centred objectives of an enhanced stakeholder engagement in our National Parks and optimised socio-economic benefit for the communities around our National Parks.
"SANParks is privileged to enable events like the Kumba Marakele Marathon by availing the Marakele National Park for utilization and enjoyment in a manner that enhances people wellbeing and supports the conservation of South Africa's natural and cultural heritage, whilst mutually beneficial partnership opportunities with SANParks' stakeholders, including communities and businesses around the park, are also fostered."
Events like this also contribute greatly to create awareness for environmental issues like the present prevalent senseless onslaught on rhinos and the diligent efforts to counteract poaching, for which the funds generated through this partnership is earmarked.