Hi fellow runners,
I've posted about the Unogwaja Challenge before but here is their documentary that was launched a few days ago. Watch and get excited about their cause and the Comrades Marathon!
Published on May 16, 2013
This is the documentary of the 2012 Unogwaja Challenge, the second year of this magical journey of the heart inspired by Phil Masterton-Smith's feat of 1933.
The Unogwaja Challenge sees a team of team of 5 individuals push themselves to the limit, both mentally and physically, as they cycle a grueling 1677km from Cape town to Pietermartizburg in just 10 days, followed by running the Comrades Marathon on day 11.
The Unogwaja challenge was initiated to follow the footsteps of Comrades legend Phil Masterton-Smith, who was affectionately known as "Unogwaja" which means 'The Hare' in Zulu. Phil Masterton-Smith was involved in two of the closest finishes in Comrades Marathon history, when in 1930 he narrowly lost to the great Wally Hayward. The following year in 1931, he battled against Noel Burree, and crossed the finish line meters ahead to claim Comrades Victory and become the youngest ever Comrades winner at the age of 19.
In 1933 Masterton-Smith couldn't afford the train fare from Cape Town to run the Comrades, so he cycled over 1700kms from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg, and then competed in the grueling marathon, crossing the line in 10th position.
Tragically Phil Masterton-Smith was killed in action on 5th June 1942 by a mortar bomb, defending the Gazala line during the siege of Tobruk in World War II.
This ultimate story of passion, willpower, courage and determination was mirrored by four young men in 2011, who followed in the footsteps of Phil Masterton-Smith 78 years later. Team Unogwaja succeeded in cycling 1677km's in 10 days from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg, and then running the Comrades Marathon on day 11. The event was extremely successful and attracted substantial media interest. This has secured it as an annual event, currently sponsored by Avis, together with various second-tier sponsors. The Comrades Marathon Association has associated itself with the Unogwaja Challenge, providing all necessary support and endorsement.
For more information on The Unogwaja Challenge, visit www.unogwaja.com
THE STORY BEHIND THE RED SOCKS:
Red Sock Friday, is an initiative created by John McInroy, one of the founders of The Unogwaja Challenge.
Its inspiration comes from a true South African story of courage and friendship:
The story belongs to Sidney Feinson, a South African war veteran. Feinson joined the army in 1941. He was captured during the Battle of Tobruk, along with 97 other South African soldiers, and sent to a prison camp in Italy. After 12 months imprisonment, Feinson and two friends managed to escape with the help of a beautiful young Italian woman and a priest. They made their way to the Swiss border, hiding in homes and churches along the way in order to escape the German troops.
Feinson and his friends decided to make a pact to commemorate lost friends, those who didn't manage to escape, and those who died in battle -- they would wear red socks as a symbol of friendship, unity and remembrance.
It is this story of brotherhood and human connection that initiated the Red Sock Friday movement -- an international phenomenon dedicated to fostering the same spirit Feinson and his friends grew as a tribute to their friends and the journey they all shared.
The phenomenon has taken hold around the world, with 'Red-Sockers' embarking on their own journeys, inspired and passionate about the lives they lead, and collecting their own stories to share with one another. Subscribers to the movement wear their Red Socks every Friday. And at various sporting events, challenges, expeditions, marathons etc, people can be seen wearing their Red Socks.
The Red Sock link to the Unogwaja Challenge is obvious, and makes for an interesting back story.
All of the participants of The Unogwaja Challenge wear their Red Socks for the duration of the event, and provide a recognized platform for other like-minded people around the world.
The Unogwaja Challenge sees a team of team of 5 individuals push themselves to the limit, both mentally and physically, as they cycle a grueling 1677km from Cape town to Pietermartizburg in just 10 days, followed by running the Comrades Marathon on day 11.
The Unogwaja challenge was initiated to follow the footsteps of Comrades legend Phil Masterton-Smith, who was affectionately known as "Unogwaja" which means 'The Hare' in Zulu. Phil Masterton-Smith was involved in two of the closest finishes in Comrades Marathon history, when in 1930 he narrowly lost to the great Wally Hayward. The following year in 1931, he battled against Noel Burree, and crossed the finish line meters ahead to claim Comrades Victory and become the youngest ever Comrades winner at the age of 19.
In 1933 Masterton-Smith couldn't afford the train fare from Cape Town to run the Comrades, so he cycled over 1700kms from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg, and then competed in the grueling marathon, crossing the line in 10th position.
Tragically Phil Masterton-Smith was killed in action on 5th June 1942 by a mortar bomb, defending the Gazala line during the siege of Tobruk in World War II.
This ultimate story of passion, willpower, courage and determination was mirrored by four young men in 2011, who followed in the footsteps of Phil Masterton-Smith 78 years later. Team Unogwaja succeeded in cycling 1677km's in 10 days from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg, and then running the Comrades Marathon on day 11. The event was extremely successful and attracted substantial media interest. This has secured it as an annual event, currently sponsored by Avis, together with various second-tier sponsors. The Comrades Marathon Association has associated itself with the Unogwaja Challenge, providing all necessary support and endorsement.
For more information on The Unogwaja Challenge, visit www.unogwaja.com
THE STORY BEHIND THE RED SOCKS:
Red Sock Friday, is an initiative created by John McInroy, one of the founders of The Unogwaja Challenge.
Its inspiration comes from a true South African story of courage and friendship:
The story belongs to Sidney Feinson, a South African war veteran. Feinson joined the army in 1941. He was captured during the Battle of Tobruk, along with 97 other South African soldiers, and sent to a prison camp in Italy. After 12 months imprisonment, Feinson and two friends managed to escape with the help of a beautiful young Italian woman and a priest. They made their way to the Swiss border, hiding in homes and churches along the way in order to escape the German troops.
Feinson and his friends decided to make a pact to commemorate lost friends, those who didn't manage to escape, and those who died in battle -- they would wear red socks as a symbol of friendship, unity and remembrance.
It is this story of brotherhood and human connection that initiated the Red Sock Friday movement -- an international phenomenon dedicated to fostering the same spirit Feinson and his friends grew as a tribute to their friends and the journey they all shared.
The phenomenon has taken hold around the world, with 'Red-Sockers' embarking on their own journeys, inspired and passionate about the lives they lead, and collecting their own stories to share with one another. Subscribers to the movement wear their Red Socks every Friday. And at various sporting events, challenges, expeditions, marathons etc, people can be seen wearing their Red Socks.
The Red Sock link to the Unogwaja Challenge is obvious, and makes for an interesting back story.
All of the participants of The Unogwaja Challenge wear their Red Socks for the duration of the event, and provide a recognized platform for other like-minded people around the world.
Courtesy of UnogwajaChallenge Youtube Channel.
Toy Dupper
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