Athletes show mettle at Tlhotlhokwe race

LIMPOPO athletes competed against athletes from Gauteng in the annual Tlhotlhokwe Marathon in Bolobedu last Saturday.

The race was run from Taulome to Tlhotlhokwe village.

Givemore Mudzinga-nyama from Tembisa won the men’s 12km race in a time of 34 minutes.

He was followed by Stephen Mudzhanani from Thohoyandou in second place and Elijah Mogoboya also from Tembisa in third place. Vudzanani Mundzhelele from Thohoyandou was in fourth place, while Tumiso Malesa from Rita village in Maake crossed the finish line in fifth place.

Nobuhle Zuma from Tembisa was the winner of the women’s race. She finished the race in a time of 40 minutes 46 seconds.

Veteran runner, Jane Mudau from Thohoyandou came in second, while Phophi Netshifhefhe finished the race in third place.

Patience Rapatsa was fourth and Lindiwe Mabasa was in fifth place.

The brainchild of athlete Stanley Mabulana, the road race was initiated six years ago with the aim to empower young people.

Mabulana recently participated in the Comrades Marathon.

“I am very proud to see that the event had gone from strength to strength, with athletes from across the province and other provinces showing interest,” Mabulana said.

The Greater Letaba Municipality joined forces with the organisers to make the race a success.

Sponsors of the race included Specialized Services Group, Coca-Cola, Maseding Furnishers and Mokgwathi, Avuxeni Computer Academy which gave away six bursaries to local students.