Betty will run for permanent no.

POLOKWANE – This year’s Comrades Marathon is special for Betty Mashitisho of Pietersburg Road Runners as she will receive her permanent number.

The Comrades Marathon takes place in KwaZulu-Natal on June 1.

Mashitisho started running when she was in school, and competed in her first Comrades in 2004.

“I believe that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind and spirit,” says Matshitisho.

As she does not have a job, she depends on donations to pay for her transport, accommodation and entry fees whenever she take part in a race.

“I train very hard and I am dedicated to running. I am committed to success and use the opportunities granted wisely,” she says.

Mashitisho received her permanent number for the Loskop Ultra Marathon after completing her 10th Loskop on April 12.

“I aim to complete this year’s Comrades in a time of nine hours, even though I am suffering from knees injuries. I started competing in the Comrades in 2004 and only missed out in 2010 as I had to withdraw after discovering that I was expecting a bundle of joy.”

Mashitisho’s Comrades history:

• 2004: finished the race in a time of 11:05:48 and received the Vic Clapham medal.

• 2005 and 2006: finished the race in a time of 10:42:57 and 10:15:05 respectively and received a bronze medal.

• 2007 and 2008: finished the race in a time of 10:52:03 and 10:57:07 respectively and received a bronze medal.

• 2009: finished the race in a time of 11:44:39 and received the Vic Clapham medal.

• 2011: finished the race in a time of 09:57:37 and received a bronze medal.

• 2012 and 2013: finished the race in a time of 11:02:12 and 11:10:32 respectively and received the Vic Clapham medal.