Avis Unogwaja challenge 2012

Unogwaja team prepare for an event that brings to life the unique history of the Comrades by following in the footsteps of race legend, Phil Masterton-Smith nicknamed “Unogwaja” meaning Hare in Zulu.

The gruelling journey starts on 24 May 2012 in Cape Town, where the Avis Unogwaja team will begin with their road cycle from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg (1,677km) and then complete the Comrades Ultra Marathon (89km) on day 11.

The Avis Unogwaja Challenge was started in remembrance of Phil Masterton-Smith who was tragically killed in action by a mortar bomb in World War II. In 1933 Masterton-Smith couldn’t afford the train fare from Cape Town to run the Comrades Marathon, so he cycled from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg in 10 days and on the 11th day he ran the Comrades Marathon and finished in 10th position.

With much inspiration, courage and enthusiasm, four young men decided to continue the epic journey 78 years later with every pedal and step towards the finish line being in support of charity.

Avis has come on board as the headline sponsor and is supplying the organisers of the event with a vehicle for the year as well as 3 support vehicles during the challenge.
Avis chief executive, Wayne Duvenage wishes Team Avis Unogwaja all the best for their challenge ahead and is excited and honoured that Avis can assist in giving back to the community, sharing the great synergy of always trying harder to make a difference in people’s lives.
Route / Schedule

DAY DATE ROUTE KM
Day 1: Thursday 24 May 2012 Cape Town – Robertson +/- 205km
Day 2: Friday 25 May 2012 Robertson - Calitzdorp +/- 213km
Day 3: Saturday 26 May 2012 Calitzdorp - Willowmore +/- 198km
Day 4: Sondag 27 May 2012 Willowmore - Graaff-Reinet +/- 172km
Day 5: Monday 28 May 2012 Graaff-Reinet - Cradock +/- 139km
Day 6: Tuesday 29 May 2012 Cradock - Lady Frere +/- 200km
Day 7: Wednesday 30 May 2012 Lady Frere - Maclear +/- 146km
Day 8: Thursday 31 May 2012 Maclear - Kokstad +/- 200km
Day 9: Friday 1 June 2012 Kokstad - Richmond +/- 185km
Day 10: Saturday 2 June 2012 Richmond - Pietermaritzburg +/- 35 km
Day 11: Sunday 3 June 2012 Comrades Marathon 89 km

Follow the journey and the team:
Website: www.unogwajachallenge.com
Twitter: @TheUnogwaja
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnogwajaChallenge