Tembisan athlete shares his Comrades story
tembisa, the tembisan, comrades marathon, mtshali robert. medal. Durban.
Mohale Ishmael Rakgwathla, a Tembisa-based athlete, shared his journey about this year’s Comrades Marathon in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on June 9.
Rakgwatlha was born in Tzaneen, Limpopo, and went to Femane Primary School, where he was motivated to embrace his talents and maybe, one day, enter the Comrades Marathon.
He took part in his second Comrades Marathon, the up-run, this year.
Rakgwathla said they started to run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg at 5.30am.
“I was full of joy and energy. I had faith in myself and believed that I would finish this marathon no matter what,” said Rakgwathla.
“It was difficult running up the big mountain called ‘Inchanga’. My pace had decreased as I started to run then walk, so I picked up my pace.”
Rakgwathla said it was tough, but he fought on.
“I kept running until I reached the finish line at Scottsville Racecourse with a time of nine hours and 12 minutes. I was awarded the Robert Mtshali Medal, though my target was the silver medal,” said Rakgwathla.
“I was happy that I reached the finish line.
“I thank the Team Runners of Hope for the support they gave me from last year at my first Comrades Marathon.
“I also thank my family at large for everything, and, last but not least, my friends.
“You can follow me on Facebook at Rakgwii Rakgwathla,” added Rakgwathla.
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