Unogwaja Challenge

The first time I met John McInroy was in the Woolworths Cafe at Cape Town International Airport and I was blown away by his zest for life and his overwhelming enthusiasm and also thought he must be a little weird, as he carried around a backpack full of red knee-high socks. I first knew of his existence much before then when on Fridays my publisher Iain Evans, the two being long time friends, would wear a pair of said red socks every Friday to support this cause.

"This 10 day cycle from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg to run the Comrades Marathon on day 11 is a journey of the heart inspired by the life of Phil Masterton-Smith who in 1933 couldn't afford the train fare from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg so he cycled up instead and finished 10th in the race. He died in World War Two in 1942. His nickname was "Unogwaja" meaning hare in Zulu and his legacy lives on in the Unogwaja Challenge. Wherever you go, go with your heart"
- John McInroy

The Unogwaja Challenge is a pretty epic journey and has gained a lot of momentum and support in the years since I first met Mackie and now not only does a team cycle the route, but Mackie and his partner in crime, Robert Le Brun are walking it. 

The video below was taken on May 1st 2015 as their journey began. We're behind you 100%!!!

You can find out more here, donate money to the Unogwaja Light Fund here and buy a pair of delightful Red Socks to get into the spirit of things here.