Runner aims for the big one
Although there is a belief that sportswomen generally get less opportunities to advance or excel, Koketso Thoala (22) of Tubatse is clearly set on breaking this perception.
During the recent Comrades Marathon, Steelburger/Lydenburg News discovered that there was no female participant of Tubatse in the 89km ultramarathon race.
Thoala is now planning to be the very first woman in Tubatse to compete in this marathon.
She told the newspaper that she always had a love for marathons and she believed 2014 was the perfect year to ensure her dream came true.
“I am tired of basking in the sun every day because I am unemployed and I chose to participate in marathons. I run more than 20km daily.
I have realised that running reduces stress and keeps me healthy. I encourage other girls in my area to join me when I am training, I have already recruited a few of them. In sport women work just as hard as the men, so they deserve equal opportunities. It’s time for us to take a stand and prove that women runners are also capable of achieving the unexpected,” she added.
Koketso is pleading with marathon runners or business owners in Tubatse to help sponsor her with running shoes and sports attire.
She is also interested in joining a marathon club. Those interested in helping Koketso to be one of the best marathon runners in the province can contact her on 076-107-9858.
