Duduza residents race in community marathon
The event included races ranging from 5km to 32km.
Duduza-based athletics club Mamepe Striders organised and hosted the Duduza Annual Community Run on April 28.
The community and athletes from various clubs came out in their numbers to support and participate in the marathon, competing in races ranging from 5km to 32km.
The runners set off from Duduza Stadium and continued on the streets of Duduza, trailing back to the finish line at the stadium. The 32km and 16km races began at 07:00, while the 5km started at 07:15.
Tsakane Athletics Club’s athletes participated in the event. One of its junior athletes, Ntando Mokoka, comfortably won the 16km race (U19. Veteran Themba Miya came fourth in the men’s 32km.
The men’s 32km race winner, Thabo Motaung, finished in 1:50:59. He says the motivation he received during his training helped him get through the intense race.
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Nomasonto Skosana picked up a leg injury during the race but soldiered on to the finish line. She won the women’s 32km in 2:36:26.
“My leg slowed me down, and I almost gave up, but someone on the street shouted words of affirmation and told me to keep going, and I limped to the finish line.
“My advice to upcoming athletes is do not undermine yourself and trust in the Lord with all your heart,” she said.
Mamepe Striders’ communications officer organising the event was tough because the club had to follow much red tape before officials passed the event.
“Today, we woke up at 02:00 to prepare for the event. We have been planning it since last year, and it became more intense about a month ago.
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“We struggled to find a place to train but asked Mr Vala, the principal of James Nkosi Primary School, to train our athletes at their school grounds, and he agreed without hesitation.
“It was difficult to get sponsors. However, we eventually received sponsorship from the Jobe Foundation and other local sponsorships. For that, we are grateful,” he said.
Morontse mentioned how events like these challenge the status quo in the townships.
“Most townships are not used to seeing athletes run a marathon on their streets, but we introduced that concept and received a positive response from the community,” he added.
A prize-giving ceremony concluded the event.
