LIMPOPO – Marathons are a great way to challenge yourself, push your limits and raise money for great causes.

This is according to Maruleng Local Municipality (MLM) Mayor Tsheko Musolwa after the municipality, together with Maruleng Athletics Club, hosted the very first Hoedspruit Wildlife Haven Half Marathon on, May 31.

Runners from over 30 clubs, including Foskor, Maruleng, Mzanzi, Polokwane, PMC, SAPS Limpopo, Dwarsrivier Mine, Bush and University of Limpopo athletics clubs took on the 21.1km, 10 km and 5km distances.

Tebogo Pulusa won the men’s half marathon with a time of 01:05:48. Abednico Mashaba came in second with a time of 01:07:50, followed by Ribson Mothopi, who was first in last year’s marathon with 01:08:00 on the clock.

Rosaline Isaiah won the women’s race with a time of 01:30:06. Elizabeth Hlutamo, who was first last year, came in second with 01:36:30.6 on the clock, followed by Thembi Mthetho in third with a time of 01:39:54.6.

Musa Thuketana, who was second last year, won the men’s 10km race with 0:32:32.9 on the clock, second was Prince Ndlovu with 0:35:05.7 and third was Sibonginkosi Maseko with a time of 0:33:59.9.

In the women’s 10km race, Sina Morongwa Malatji came in first with a time of 00:48:16.3, Phillipain Kalane was second with 0:50:36.1, and in third was Benny Nghulele with a time of 0:51:13.6.

Musolwa ran the half marathon and hit the finish line with a time of 01:49:41.4, which he said is an improvement as he finished last year’s with 02:32:12.8.

Other participants included MLM Speaker Blantina Rakganya, and MLM Cllr Christine du Preez, among other Maruleng officials.

Musolwa and the Maruleng Athletics Club thanked all athletes who participated in the event.

“We hope that this is the start of a long journey towards a healthy and socially integrated society,” he said.