#Comrades2024: Qhubeka sees success in first up-run

A total of 58 runners, from the 62 that started, finished the race, earning the club 12 Bill Rowan, 10 Robert Mtshali, 14 Bronze and 22 Vic Clapham medals.

June 16, 2024

Lebohang Pita 2 minutes read

Qhubeka AC's Jaco Ferreira, Nare Matlala, chairperson Benzi Tenza, Aubrey Mmamakoko and Msl Leshalabe with their medals after finishing the race.

Seboni Rabaloi of Qhubeka AC was the Sunward Park-based club’s first runner to complete the Comrades Marathon at Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg on June 9.

Rabaloi missed a silver medal by 02:15 when he clocked 07:32:15 for his fourth Bill Rowan medal. He was also Qhubeka’s first runner to complete the race in 2022 and 2023.

Sixty-two runners represented Qhubeka AC in the marathon.

Debutant Sesepe Bonoko was the club’s first woman home when she completed the race in 09:23:23 for a Robert Mtshali medal while another novice, Marionè de Beer, finished her first Ultimate Human Race in 10:24:23 for a bronze.

Club chairperson Benzi Tenza finished his 18th race in 10:20:39, for his sixth bronze, adding to his 11 Bill Rowan medals and a single silver.

Of the 62 runners from the club who started the race, 58 finished, helping the club to 12 Bill Rowan, 10 Robert Mtshali, 14 Bronze and 22 Vic Clapham medals.

Qhubeka AC’s Cardeux Nel takes a photo along the marathon route.

“Despite the challenges posed by this rigorous race, our club achieved an impressive completion rate of 93.5%, just shy of our ambitious 95% target,” said Tenza.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our runners who achieved personal milestones and those who demonstrated remarkable endurance and spirit. Special commendation goes to Seboni Rabaloi, who narrowly missed securing a Comrades up-run silver medal by a mere two minutes. His effort and determination were truly inspiring.

Qhubeka AC’s Tshepo Mbomvu, Thabiso Moletsane and Nare Matlala enjoy the ambience at the start of the race.

“Our masters, grandmasters, like Peter Monyai, novices and back-to-back Comrades runners showed exceptional resilience and tenacity, embodying the spirit of our club.”

The club achieved an 85.7% finish rate among novices and a 100% finish for back-to-back runners. Four runners didn’t finish – one was cut off at Cato Ridge and two at Polly Shortts while another opted out between Cato Ridge and Umlaas Road.

“Our club’s presence was strongly felt throughout the race, making a significant mark and showcasing our collective strength and visibility. We are immensely proud of everyone who participated and represented Qhubeka AC at the Comrades Marathon,” Tenza concluded.

Gerda Steyn won the women’s main race after finishing in a new course record of 04:49:46, smashing her 2019 up-run record of 05:58:53. Piet Wiersma from the Netherlands won the men’s race in 05:25:00.

Also Read: Qhubeka AC thrilled after successful event

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