POLOKWANE – Polokwane Athletics Club (PAC) hosted an exclusive Comrades Marathon 2024 breakfast send-off at the Park Inn by Radisson Polokwane on Saturday.

A total of 179 runners from the club, inclusive of 37 novices will be representing the province during the 97th Comrades Marathon on Sunday.

For the first time since 2019, the Comrades Ultra Marathon will be an up-run which will start in Durban and finish in Pietermaritzburg, with a confirmed route distance of 85.91km, making this the shortest route distance in Comrades history.

PAC chairperson Thabana Mokgohloa mentioned during the breakfast send-off that this marathon is a personal challenge of mind and body, for which the runners will have 12 hours to finish.

He added that the course is famous for endless hills in impressive scenery, as well as camaraderie, unique traditions and history.

“This an event you will not forget and which is truly lifechanging. I’m confident that almost every one of you will reach the finish line. You must just remember that you have conquered the training sessions and all preparations, then you will conquer the marathon as well. Tell yourselves that ‘I can do it’, and you’ll be confident enough to go ahead.”

He added that no runner is alone on the journey. He thanked the club’s main sponsor, Park Inn for sponsoring them with a free venue (hall) as well as giving them a discount on the breakfast.

He also thanked the Limpopo Gambling Board for sponsoring T-shirts, as well as Galito’s for the food sponsorship for those travelling by bus.

“As one of the top 10 clubs in the country in the Comrades Marathon, we would like to commend Pienas Magashule who will be running his 27th Comrades this year. Thank you to Mr Mokgohloa, alongside other PAC members who helped with the preparations,” PAC secretary Carin Smit said.

On the same day in the evening, Polokwane Municipality Mayor John Mpe hosted a send-off dinner for various athletics clubs in Polokwane at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.