Elderly athletes were filled with joy after crossing the Colgate Race finish line

The next Colgate Race will be hosted on May 5, 2024.

May 11, 2023

Raymond Mokwena 1 minute read

Colgate race athletes and coach: Ruphat Rapholo (athlete), Brenden Tshuma ( Azania coach), Sam Mabitsela (athlete), Maphuti Majetja (athlete), Monty Adams (athlete) and Elmon Malaza (athlete).

Colgate Race veterans couldn’t conceal their excitement after crossing the finish line during the 44th instalment of the race at Boksburg Stadium on May 7.

Ian Lotter (62), who has been taking part in the Colgate races for over 14 years, said he enjoyed the route.

Ian Lotter was happy to complete the Colgate Race.

“It had a mixture of every element to test yourself as an athlete; flat surfaces and slopes. I enjoyed it a lot.

“The only issue for me was the changing weather. Other than that, I’m happy with my overall performance and time. I have built several friendships through the Colgate races. Again, it was well organised.”

Lotter recently achieved his blue number in the Two Oceans and will not be competing in the Comrades Marathon.

Ian Lotter (62) who was running in the Colgate Race shows the blue number he received after completing The Two Oceans Marathon.

Athlete Elmon Malaza (52), who participated in his fourth Colgate Race, said he takes part to improve his speed.

Elmon Malaza (52) who ran in the Colgate Race is happy to showcase his medal.

“The races are also good to build your physique. My main goal is to champion the 15 km races so that I can compete in the 21km and 42km races. My completion time today was 59 minutes, which was my target. I’m excited to have achieved it,” he explained.

Caronn Harris, the secretary and race director of Boksburg Athletic Club, who organised the Colgate Race, said they sold all their participation entry tickets and had entries on race day too.

“We officially hosted the biggest fun run in Gauteng and are looking forward to another enormous one next year. Thank you to all the people who participated in the event,” said Harris.

He said it was a lot of hard work for them as a club to organise the event, but when they watched all the beautiful participants with smiles crossing the finish line, they felt happy.

“The club has received nothing but compliments regarding the event. We would like to thank our sponsors for allowing us to host this iconic event and donating all the wonderful products in goodie bags that were handed over to the athletes after crossing the finish line,” she concluded.