The 2014 Mandela International Day Marathon will be held on August 30-31, Nelson Mandela Foundation in partnership with uMgungundlovu District Municipality announced here on Wednesday.

The Marathon, which will be held in KwaZulu-Natal, is meant to keep Mandela's legacy alive through sport, said the foundation.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Nelson Mandela Foundation's chief executive officer, Sello Hatang said they are proud to host the race of a great man.

"We are working hard to keep Mandela's legacy alive. Mandela was a serious sports person. Because Mandela took sport seriously we want to send a message to the world that even if you cannot run, others can run for you. Mandela's long walk continues and it will not end." said Hatang.

The main race will start where Mandela made his last speech as a freeman before arrest in 1961 in Pietermaritzburg and end at his arrested place in Howick. Hatang said that since Mandela spent 67 years fighting for social justice they are targeting 67,000 participants at Nelson Mandela Marathon in the coming years.

"We are inviting the world to walk with us in this Mandela legacy. This is a service and hope. The legacy will live forever and we will make sure that happens."he said.

Yusuf Bhamjee, mayor of the co-organizer uMgungundlovu District Municipality echoed Hatang's sentiments that Mandela legacy will outlive humankind.

Bhamjee said "This is a unique race where participants do take part not to win but to ensure they finish the race and enhance unity of purpose. We are in this to build bridges and ensure Mandela's dream is kept alive. This is a dedication to the father of our freedom and nation. I am here to show government's total commitment in this."

UMgungundlovu and Nelson Mandela Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together and carry the dream alive. The race is themed'the triumph of Human spirit'.

Bhamjee stated that Mandela showed the world the importance of peace instead of war and forgiveness, "we want to show the world where we are coming from, where we are and where we are going to. We want people all over the world to at least once a year makes sacrifice and give to charity."

The uMgungundlovu municipal manager will contribute 20 percent of the proceeds from the 2014 Nelson Mandela Marathon to the Nelson Mandela Foundation to be used for charity. Endite

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