Following its resounding success, Tembisa’s biggest road race, the SPAR Tembisa Mile, is returning for more thrills and endurance on October 25.
The race has over the years attracted throngs of runners and spectators from the township and its surroundings, such as Soweto, Alexandra, Pretoria and many more areas.
Founder and organiser Donald Mathupa said last year’s race was nothing but a roaring success and believes this season’s race will be even better.
“We are still finalising a few logistics, but we are on track. We are hoping we will attract more sponsors to help make the race a success, as it has proven to be over the years,” he said.
He said the race venue, Molelekwa Art Centre, is becoming to small and they must also look at having extra parking space available at the nearest school or church.
“This is because every year the race grows and attracts athletes and athletic clubs from all over Gauteng. Pretty soon, I am sure we will have runners from other provinces as well,” he said.
New categories were added to last year’s race, enabling more participants to compete and have fun.
The Mile is now made up of a 10km men’s, 10km women’s, elite men, elite women, 1 mile walk men and 1 mile walk women.
The first Tembisan athlete to cross the line during last year’s 10km race was Phenyo Chidi, with a time of 31:23, finishing in seventh place.
Khutso Moketla was the first local female runner to cross the line in a time of 40:42, in the women’s 10km.
The elite men’s mile saw Jerry Motsau reclaiming the title he won in 2016, with a time of four minutes and six seconds. The defending champion and course record holder, Ryan Mphahlele, finished in fourth place.
In the elite women’s mile, Prudence Sekgodiso successfully defended her title within five minutes.
Last year’s race was sponsored by the likes of SPAR North Rand, City of Ekurhuleni, Department of Sports and Recreation, Leso Estate and Zamokuhle
Private Hospital, and was endorsed by Central Gauteng Athletics.
