Whopping 127 PAC Comrades entries

T his year will see the most Comrades entries under the Polokwane Athletics Club (PAC) banner when compared to annual participation in the prestigious marathon the past six to seven years. Among them are several experienced runners expected to claim coveted 2017 medals on 4 June.
According to PAC Chairperson Corrie Calitz, 127 club members have entered for the race of which 97 are male and 30 female athletes. Also among the masters Pienas Magashule should be watched, Calitz predicted. Among the club’s top female athletes to keep an eye out for are Melanie Mellville, Pearl Hughes and Leani Venter while the top male contenders expected to secure silver medals are Andries Malepe, Pelly Lamola and Koketso Gumbo.
He assured that the entrants were ready and geared for the gruelling marathon after having followed an improved exercise programme that already commenced after last year’s Comrades marathon. They have further benefited from the mentorship of Comrades medallist Ludwig Mamabolo the past few months, he said.
Calitz conceded that the 25% increase in numbers of entrants when compared to that of last year correlated with a growth in club membership figures witnessed this year. Currently club membership stands at an estimated 300 athletes.
The participating club members received their goodie bags during a breakfast gathering in Polokwane on Saturday, where they were addressed by Mamabolo and Arnold Geerdts, who has been anchoring test rugby, golf majors, five Olympic Games and million rand fund raising events through to the Comrades Marathon.

Story: YOLANDE NEL
>>observer.yolande@gmail.com
RC MYBURGH
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Photos: RC MYBURGH
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