XJ Athletics Club celebrates perfect Comrades finish
The runners earned a total of four silver, five Bill Rowan, nine Robert Mtshali and six bronze medals.
XJ Athletics Club from Emaxibeni is celebrating a major achievement after all 36 of its runners successfully completed this year’s Comrades Marathon.
The runners were among the approximately 22 000 athletes who took part in the gruelling Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on June 14.
The club’s runners earned four silver medals, five Bill Rowan medals, nine Robert Mtshali medals and six bronze medals.
According to Bonginkosi ‘The Beast of the Road’ Mbotshwa, the club’s PRO, this is the third consecutive year that every entrant has finished the race.
“This is the biggest achievement for the club.Some prolific running clubs with big names struggle to achieve what we have attained,” said Mbotshwa.
He attributed the success to the commitment of the club’s management and athletes.
“These results emanate from the commitment of the management in ensuring that the team is run professionally and that runners from destitute backgrounds are taken care of. Key responsibilities are allocated properly and people are willing to work and develop the talent of our runners. Early morning long runs with limited resources have produced these good results,” he said.
Mbotshwa appealed to businesses and local government to assist the club.
Among the club’s top performers were Vakele ‘V8 Engine’ Jamile, Zoliswa Siphengana and Mzokuthula Tolo, who all improved on their previous performances.
Another milestone was achieved by Dr Ayanda Mbele, who earned a Green Number after completing his 10th Comrades Marathon.
Mbotshwa said the club’s main focus is to produce and polish young talent and encouraged parents to bring their children to join the club.
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