LIMPOPO – The Giyani Gallopers Athletics Club proudly represented their town at the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 8, with several members earning prestigious medals, even though no golds were claimed.

Leading the pack was Vonani Chavalala, who completed the ultra-marathon in an impressive 7:41:30, earning a Bill Rowan medal. Close behind was fellow club runner Gift Mashavani, who also earned a Bill Rowan medal with a finishing time of 8:57:45.

Among the women, Sibongile Makamu was the club’s fastest female finisher, clocking in at 9:56:35. Just a second behind her was Aletta Ngoveni, finishing in 9:56:36.

Chavalala reflected on the experience, saying, “The race was tough. Around the 84km mark, I got excited seeing the downhill stretch and thought I could finish under seven and a half hours. But at 85km, the uphill section hit me hard. I suffered cramps and lost time, but I’m still happy with my performance; this was only my second Comrades.”

Another standout from the club was Beryll Monakisi, who finished her race in 11:49:17. She received special recognition from Greater Tzaneen Mayor Gerson Molapisane during the recent homecoming ceremony for Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka.

The mayor praised Monakisi for proudly representing the municipality at such a prestigious national event.

This year’s Comrades Marathon saw a strong showing from South African athletes. Tete Dijana secured his third victory, bouncing back from last year’s fourteenth-place finish to win in 5:25:28.

In the women’s division, Gerda Steyn claimed her fourth title, finishing in 5:51:19.