Mamabola 8th in Jerusalem Marathon

JOSHUA GAVRONSKY

This year saw the South African delegation continued its tradition of being accompanied by an elite South African runner. While the group hosted Comrades great Bruce Fordyce in 2014, this year the Unity Team hosted Ludwick Modibe Mamabola. Mamabola, who won the Comrades in 2012 becoming the first South African to do so in over seven years, was the lead runner for the South African delegation.

The Unity Challenge comprised members from all over South Africa and as Rabbi Ramon Widmonte, director of Mizrachi South Africa, said: “The Unity Challenge was a uniquely South African project bringing together people from all over to live the miracle that is Israel.”

It consisted of members running and walking the different routes on offer, which included the 42km, 21km, 10km and even the 5km race.

Mamabola (Pictured right at the finish-line), who used the Jerusalem Marathon as an official Comrades preparation run, started with the Elite runners as he went on his quest for gold in Jerusalem. After a hilly but very inspiring race, he took eighth place overall in a time of two hours and thirty minutes.

Tadesse Yae Dabi (26) of Ethiopia, completed the course in first place in two hours, 18 minutes and 20 seconds. Last year, Kenyan Ronald Kimeli Kurgat (28), won the marathon with a record-setting time of two hours, 16 minutes and 9 seconds.

Running through the streets of Jerusalem, steeped in history, Mamabola said: “This was the most uplifting and special marathon I have ever raced. To be able to run through the streets of the holy city and land of the bible, was an experience I will never forget. I’m looking forward to participating in 2016 again.”

Throughout the tour to Israel, Mamabola experienced many of the places he had only ever heard about in the bible – including Nazareth and Jerusalem.

The international community had a huge interest in Mamabola’s story, including his many accomplishments. He was the keynote speaker at the official marathon press conference, as well as at many charity engagements throughout the country.

Mamabola, who wants to share his success, hope and powerful story, has developed a foundation that assists young aspiring runners with achieving their dreams of a podium finish. The Unity Challenge hopes to work closely with this foundation and bring many of these aspiring young runners to future marathons in Jerusalem.

This entire trip was very successful with a powerful message resonating within the team and all of the delegation: The marathon is an unbelievable story of how sport has the power to bring people together and is a true showcase of the beauty of Jerusalem and the vibrant democracy that Israel is.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, who also ran the race, wrote on his Facebook page: “Even if you’re not taking part, come down to cheer on the runners in the streets of Jerusalem and to enjoy performances and bands along the route…and one big celebration throughout the city.”