Taking others to the finish line

Local traffic cop and passionate runner, Billy Mokeona did double duty at the recent Big Hill Run.

Work protocol did not deter Billy from lending his support and encouragement to the last runners tackling the final leg to the finish during the 21km challenge on December 15.

With six Comrades marathons under his belt, the father of four said he knows what it feels like to be at the back, struggling to find that last bit of motivation to push through to the end.

“I could empathise with those back runners, as I am a back runner myself. I know what it feels like to hit your wall and try to push through to meet the cut-off time,” said Billy.

A sport enthusiast from his school days, Billy said he started running about eight years ago to get fit and joined the local running club, Dolphin Striders.

“I enjoyed sport at school, but cricket was my first love. However, with age it became hard to continue it so I took up running. It has helped me stay fit and mentally strong which helps with my day job,” said Billy.

A well-known local face, Billy joined the traffic department in 1998 and says the hardest thing about Comrades is not the actual race itself but getting to the start line.

“Preparing for Comrades is the biggest challenge as it takes a lot of your time and commitment. That is why my advice to anyone looking to take up running is to join a running club as you need the motivation and encouragement of your fellow runners. Its also holds you accountable which is very difficult when you run on your own.”

Looking to put his seventh Comrades medal under his belt, this local lion-heart hopes to inspire others and his small acts of kindness certainly do not go unnoticed.

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