Running London Marathon for the children of Gaza with Sports for Ubuntu
There is a lot that you learn about yourself and others by taking on the challenge of running a Marathon (26.2miles or 42.6km), even if it is your 6th go at the distance! I ran the London marathon for my 3rd time on Sunday the 21st of April, managing to finish in just under 3h30m. But this year felt different — — as I was running with a very special running group; Sports for ‘Ubuntu’ (more on this below!) and for a very special cause; the plight of the children impacted by the war in Gaza, Palestine.
I was born in South Africa and moved to the UK at the Age of 11 — so the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ is something I grew up with. ‘Ubuntu’ is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity towards others’. It is an African value system that places emphasis on the interconnectedness of humanity. That — despite differences in socio-economic backgrounds, race or religion — its important that we realise that we are part of a greater whole. That we have more in common than that which sets us apart. That ultimately what each of us individually choose to do; has an effect not on just ourselves, but on others too, with whom we share this beautiful planet. This is the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’. Understanding that ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’.
The London marathon is one of six major world marathons, with a largely flat course taking you through world famous landmarks; Tower Bridge, Big Ben and finishing in front of Buckingham palace. But what makes this marathon so special — if you ask any runner — is the droves of people who turn out to support. A sea of diverse, passionate, supporters line the entire route. Supporters with funny tongue-in-cheek placards (my favs this year: ‘Hurry up, so we can get the beers in!’ and ‘Where is everyone going?’), enthusiastic young children eagerly waiting with their hands out for a high-five from a passing runner, people dutifully handing out free sweets and refreshments to fuel runners passing by … and of course — the local bands and community groups passionately playing music to keep everyone’s spirits high!
There is no whisper of an ‘us’ or ‘them’. Everyone is in it together, supporting one another, appreciating and encouraging each other to keep on going, to make it to the finish line and to achieve our personal bests. This is the spirit of Ubuntu. This is what the world needs more of. This, I hope, is something we can all learn from and implement in our own day-to-day lives. With an estimated 13,000 children killed and many more left without parents, families and homes — in the spirit of Ubuntu — as a running group we chose this year to raise money for the innocent children affected by the war in Gaza, Palestine. We managed to smash our fundraising target of £4,000 raising over £17,000 — a very heartfelt thank you to many of you for your generosity.
We Run. We Raise. We Rise.
Till the next challenge !
Side notes – – – – – – –
What I had playing on my headphones for the final two kilometres:
- Black Eyed Peas – where is the love?
- Major Lazer – Get Free
PS. There is still time to donate and show your support, click here: https://ashrafulaid.org/sports4ubuntu/
