PHALABORWA – Age has not slowed down 70-year-old Namakgale athlete Aby Masoi Mashego, who stormed to victory in the 70-and-over category at the Maruleng Mayor’s Half Marathon in Hoedspruit on Saturday, September 26.

Running under the Foskor Athletics Club, Mashego completed the 21.1km race in 02:16:13.1 to claim first position in his category.

“The race went very well, and I really enjoyed every kilometre. I am happy with the result and proud to have won my category. It shows that with commitment and proper training, age does not have to stop you from achieving your goals,” said Mashego.

Running keeps him fit and active

The former Eskom employee, who retired in 2018, said running has helped him remain fit and active.

His recent performances have also included a first-place finish in the 10km Maroela to Maroela Marathon, where he recorded 00:53:27.

A Comrades qualification at 70

On Saturday, September 12, Mashego took on the gruelling 42.2km Masingita Mall 4-in-1 Marathon, finishing third in 04:54:12 and qualifying for the Comrades Marathon.

He admitted that the race was challenging because he had not trained sufficiently and was tired after a long drive through the Kruger National Park while taking his children on a visit.

Always looking for the next challenge

Mashego said competing against runners from other towns, particularly Polokwane, can be challenging because many of them train more frequently. However, he is already preparing for his next challenge, the Spar Shikhumba Marathon on Saturday, October 3, where he plans to tackle the 42.2km race.

“I want to do better than I did at the Masingita Marathon,” he said.

Consistency is key

Mashego credits his coach at Foskor Athletics Club for helping him maintain his training programme. He said his approach is simple: he trains consistently, does not cheat his training, and eats only a small meal before a race.