Senior citizens looks forward to Comrades Marathon
A sixty-seven-year-old Kensington resident looks forward to the Comrades Marathon as she gets a chance to raise funds for charity while she benefits from the exercise.
For the past four years, Boitumelo Mofokeng has participated in the Comrades Marathon.
The 67-year-old Kensington resident will be lining up again for the tough test of endurance on June 14.
She said she’s still running ultra marathons for her health and worthy causes, such as the Childhood Cancer Foundation.
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She acknowledged that about 500-plus runners collectively raise millions for the six charities chosen by the Comrades Marathon Association each year.
Mofokeng said the minimum amount to be raised is R6 000 to qualify as a charity runner; however, each year runners endeavour to raise more, as these charities depend on public support for their work, including research and support for patients’ families.
“All the funds are paid directly to the charity. We as individuals fund our own entries, travel and accommodation,” Mofokeng revealed.
She said, “As a senior citizen, living with chronic hypertension, I benefit a great deal from exercising and doing good for the community. Running is a great metaphor for life. Like any sport, you have to train consistently to achieve your goal, change your habits and strive to do better all the time.”
Over the past 20 years, since she started running, Mofokeng has been motivated by other older senior citizens who still run for fun and wellness at their age.
“In turn, I have shared my knowledge from staying injury-free to nutrition and the importance of starting at an early age.”
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Not only does Mofokeng run for charity, but founded a running club in Soweto known as Ampa Athletic Club.
It was in 2015 that she co-founded the first parkrun in Soweto, namely Mofolo, alongside the legendary Bruce Fordyce. Since then, two more parkruns have been launched in Mapetla and Dobsonville.
“This is my gift to the Soweto community where I was born and raised. Living in the suburb has inspired me to give to the less privileged with the limited sports facilities in the townships and continue raising awareness about a healthy lifestyle.”
As Mofokeng continues to train for a successful finish, she also seeks schools that would like to have a motivational talk.
Contact Boitumelo on 072 952 5567.
