Runner gives his all for his son
Anyone willing to help may contact the JKS dojo manager in Springs and Tsakane, Carla Verster, on 071 361 1821.
Springs Platinum Refineries Athletics Club member Sammyfish Sikhonde finished his first Comrades Marathon with the sole purpose of helping his son get to Dubai.
“I ran the race for him. And I am prepared to compete in another to ensure we raise all the funds we need for him,” explains Sikhonde.
The avid runner said he had put his Comrades aspirations on the back burner as the year began.
“Once my son Chichima won his karate champs, I was inspired to compete in the marathon,” he said.
Chichima Sikhonde is due to compete in Dubai after he won big at the Japan Karate Association (JKS) South African Nationals.
The 17-year-old from Springs Boys High School came third in the kata and fifth in kumite. The event took place at the Portuguese Hall in Johannesburg in May.
After deciding to compete in the marathon, Sikhonde challenged his friends and family to sponsor R50 for every kilometre he ran.
“Through my commitment, I wanted to inspire other people around us to help. And so many of them did,” he said.
ALSO CHECK: Springs teken weghol oorwinning teen Boksburg aan
Sikhonde said he found the race to be comfortable.
“The only time I found it challenging was between 81km and 83km. For the most part, I ran with ease,” he added.
He finished the race in 11 hours, 7 minutes and 19 seconds. Sikhonde is inviting the public to help him raise even more money for his son’s trip.
On July 30, Sikhone will participate in a 103km Icon’s Journey Marathon in the Eastern Cape.
“I am willing to do my best to try and get to the finish line. I hope to inspire more people to contribute to this cause,” said Sikhonde.
Anyone willing to help may contact the JKS dojo manager in Springs and Tsakane, Carla Verster, on 071 361 1821.
