Flat and proud: MEC mulls Northern Cape ultra-marathon challenge

POLLY Shortts … Suikerbossie!

Now, if you’re a normal, sane, well-adjusted person like I am, those words I just mentioned won’t mean much.

However, if you are one of those ultra-distance weirdos, you’d recognise these two locations as some of the more challenging stretches of the Comrades Marathon and the Cape Cycle Tour, respectively.

These two hills have been known to scrub speed off your pace, break your rhythm and your heart and make even grown men – whether on a bicycle or in running shoes – weep in utter despair.

For the record, I was just being naughty, calling athletes weirdos. Having the courage to take on challenges like ultra-distance events is seriously admirable.

The pain and pride of the Comrades

Which brings me to a friend of mine, who has run quite a few Comrades. He tells me that it’s the highlight of his calendar. He also tells me that it’s the worst time of the year.

The thing is – besides the travel down to KZN, booking accommodation and then the drive back home when he says he feels as if he should be in traction – what gets him is the fact that training on the flat Northern Cape roads doesn’t fully prepare one for the hilly run up from or down to the coast.

But for my friend, and others like him who feel the same way, there may be the faintest glimmer of hope on the horizon.

Province celebrates its ultra heroes

Recently, the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture in the Northern Cape, Mangaliso Matika, paid a heartfelt tribute to the province’s athletes who participated in the 2025 Comrades Marathon during a celebratory ceremony held in their honour at Boontjieskraal just south of Kimberley.

The event brought together athletes, federations, partners from the private sector, and government stakeholders in recognition of those who carried the Northern Cape flag with pride during the world-renowned ultra-marathon.

In his keynote address, Matika described the athletes as “warriors of endurance,” highlighting the courage and commitment they displayed, whether they completed the race or not.

“You remind us that success is not just about crossing the line – it’s about the commitment to start, the courage to continue, and the heart to endure,” he said.

A bold vision: The Northern Cape’s own ultra

That’s all well and good, and fully deserved, but there’s more, and this “more” is pretty exciting news.

The MEC also used the platform to deliver a significant policy direction: a call to establish a flagship qualifying ultra-marathon in the Northern Cape, in collaboration with Athletics Griqualand West (AGW) and North West Cape. He emphasised the need to follow in the footsteps of iconic events like the Two Oceans Marathon, Om die Dam, and the Soweto Marathon.

Imagine that, my weirdo running readers … a flat ultra marathon in the Northern Cape where you can show the “hill-billies” how it’s done on your turf … or maybe I should say “tar”.

“It cannot be that we continue to send our athletes to other provinces to compete in nationally recognised marathons, yet we don’t host one ourselves. This must change,” Matika asserted.

“Under my leadership, this department is committed to making the Northern Cape Marathon a reality. This is not merely an idea. It is a mission. It is a legacy we must build together.”

Partnerships and leadership for the future

Messages of support were provided by both athletics federations, AGW and North West Cape, for the hosting of the gala dinner for the Comrades Marathon by the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Their continued partnership underscores a shared commitment to uplifting long-distance running in the province.

Matika reaffirmed the department’s commitment to working with both AGW and North West Cape Athletics federations, municipalities, and the private sector to bring this long-standing aspiration – championed by Premier Dr Zamani Saul – to life.

Investing in clubs and athletes

In recognising the athletic leadership within the province, Matika congratulated Thato Setlholo on his election as the new president of Athletics Griqualand West, expressing confidence in his ability to lead during this transformative period for athletics in the Northern Cape.

He also extended sincere gratitude to Dr Lorato Banda, the outgoing president, for his “sterling leadership and unwavering commitment to the growth of athletics in the province.”

Matika concluded the evening by reaffirming the department’s intent to continue supporting clubs and development structures through their respective federations, ensuring resources and programming are channelled toward meaningful and sustainable athlete development.

As a contribution towards the federations, Athletics GW and North West Cape each received an amount of R50,000.

“Today, we do not just celebrate your results – we celebrate your journey. Your dedication. Your sweat. Your heart. You make the Northern Cape proud.”

Could the dream become a reality?

Now, for those shaking their heads in doubt, saying that talk of a Northern Cape ultra marathon is just talk, get this: the department will soon convene stakeholders to begin formal planning towards the launch of the inaugural Northern Cape Marathon.

So, holding thumbs and hoping for the best, those doubtful head shakes may soon turn into joyful nods of approval.