KAC impresses during Comrades Marathon
Katlehong Athletics Club (KAC) took part in the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 4 with four runners achieving their green numbers and two claiming Bill Rowan medals.
About 22 athletes from KAC took part in the 2017 edition of the marathon that started in Durban’s city centre and finished in Pietermaritzburg.
Hloni Motloung, chairman of KAC, said William Jiyane and Mpendulo Cukwana took Bill Rowan medals, for finishing in just under nine hours.
“Vuyane Simayile, Tando Melapi, Commando Matlawa, Sizwe Mahlobo and Owen Mudau got bronze medals.
“Thuli Mbatha was our first female runner to finish the marathon claiming a bronze medal for her efforts,” said Motloung.
He said Chris Tsolanku, Owen Mudau, Brian Twala and Commando Matlawa ran their 10th races and achieved their green numbers.
“Green
numbers are permanent race numbers for the Comrades Marathon, which
means, every time they participate in the Comrades, they will be given
the same number,” said Motloung.
He said two of their runners were participating in the marathon for the first time.
“Those runners did well and as KAC we are proud of them.
“Two of our runners did not manage to complete the race because of injuries,” said Motloung.
He said their focus will now shift to shorter distances as they have a large number of great runners who are going to take part in the Soweto Marathon.
“I would like to encourage the people of Kathorus as whole to take part in sports. Not only athletics, but all types of sports, because it is good for their health,” he asid.
Bill Rowan medal winner, William Jiyane, said it was fun to compete with runners from all over the world.
“Everything was okay, except for the hills, but the support from the fans on the side of the road made it easy,” said Jiyane.
He invited those interested to join the Katlehong Athletics Club as they host trials every Tuesday and Thursday between 5.30pm and 7.pm at Huntersfield Stadium.
He also said the club runs every Saturday and Sunday at 6am.
“We are looking for sponsorship for our 15km race called Stadium to Stadium that will take place in March next year from Germiston Stadium to Huntersfield Stadium,” said Motloung.
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