Latest news with #SowetoMarathon
The Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- The Herald
Soweto Marathon shifts to late November under new organisation
The 30th edition of the Soweto Marathon is shifting to late November, a spokesperson for the event said on Thursday, contradicting claims by Soweto Marathon Trust (SMT) representatives that the country's biggest one-day road race had been cancelled. Jabu Mbuli said nine of 11 Soweto running clubs had agreed to administer the race through an NPO. This came after allegations against the previous two bodies that staged the race — the SMT and then a private company that stepped in to organise the past two races in 2023 and 2024. 'We believe this [NPO] option will assist in ensuring good and proper governance and sound financial accountability,' Mbuli said. 'The appointed non-executive board of directors will comprise largely of qualified professionals and will include chartered accountants and attorneys. The athletics clubs of Soweto own this race and they will focus on the race organising committee to run this race by the people, for the people.' SMT representatives recently claimed there would be no race this year, but Mbuli said the 2025 race would be launched this month and would take place at the end of November.
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Soweto Marathon shifts to late November under new organisation
The 30th edition of the Soweto Marathon is shifting to late November, a spokesperson for event said on Thursday, contradicting claims by Soweto Marathon Trust (SMT) representatives that the country's biggest one-day road race had been cancelled. Jabu Mbuli said nine out of 11 Soweto running clubs had agreed to administer the race through a nonprofit company. This move came after allegations against the previous two bodies that staged the race — the SMT and then a private company that stepped in to organise the past two races in 2023 and 2024. 'We believe that this [nonprofit company] option will assist in ensuring good and proper governance and sound financial accountability,' Mbuli said in the statement. 'The appointed non-executive board of directors will comprise largely of qualified professionals, who will include in the number chartered accountants and attorneys. The Athletics Clubs of Soweto own this race and they will focus on the race organising committee to run this race by the people, for the people.' SMT representatives recently claimed there would be no race this year, but Mbuli said the 2025 race would be launched this month and would take place at the end of November.
TimesLIVE
30-07-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Soweto Marathon on track despite money spat
Organisers of the Soweto Marathon have assured the public this year's race will definitely take place, after fears it would not continue amid infighting over finances. The event was supposed to launch this month, but internal divisions within the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) board have apparently delayed that, triggering fears the 'People's Race' could be scuppered. In February, the Soweto Marathon Trust (SMT) and all structures linked to it were dissolved after a forensic probe. In 2023, the SMT trustees were accused of dipping into the funds without approval, leading to the trust's bank account being frozen and four trustees suspended. Three of them were subsequently expelled by Athletics SA (ASA). A member of one of the Soweto athletics clubs involved in the race organising committee who asked to remain anonymous, told Sowetan the launch for this year's edition will take place in the middle of next month. He said the delay for launching the race was because they were still finalising a non-profit organisation where the sponsors will be able to put in the funds to run the race.
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Thembisa runner clocks personal best at Comrades after 550 days of running
Thembisa runner clocks personal best at Comrades after 550 days of running For Thembisa runner Thabo Moeketsi, the Comrades Marathon is not just a race — it's a spiritual, physical, and emotional journey. 'Comrades is not a race — it's an experience that introduces you to your inner self, your true self,' Thabo said. 'Each year, you discover something new about yourself.' This year marked Thabo's 10th official Comrades Marathon start and his eighth finish, clocking a personal best of 9 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds. ALSO READ: Rabasotho SAPS sergeant conquers second Comrades Marathon It was a breakthrough moment for the dedicated runner, who missed the cut-off before the finish in 2015 and again in 2023 at Pinetown. But 2025 wasn't only about a medal or a personal best. It was Thabo's fourth year running in support of the KwaZulu-Natal Community Chest, an organisation that feeds 7 845 children daily through its early childhood development (ECD) programme. 'This has given me a reason beyond personal glory. I'm able to raise funds for God's greatest gift — children,' he said. His success this year was made possible by his unwavering discipline. On race day, June 8, Thabo marked day 550 of an unbroken daily running streak, a challenge he started on December 8, 2023. During this time, he has consistently achieved personal bests in every race he has preparation for this year's Comrades was extensive. ALSO READ: Watch: Comrades Marathon hero helps collapsed runner finish race He participated in the Soweto Marathon (42.2km) and Tough One (32km) in November, followed by the Johnson Crane Marathon (42.2km) in January, Tshwane Ultra North (50km) in March, and the MiWay Marathon (42.2km) in May. On average, he ran 12km per training session, often heading out after work between 18:00 and 21:30. He supplements his routine with strength training, drinks three litres of water daily, and maintains a vegetarian diet, which he has followed for the past 15 years. 'I trained alone, and I ran alone on race day,' he said. 'I usually play gospel music through my phone while I run, but this year I left it behind to stay fully focused. Still, in my mind, one song played over and over: 'We are under an open heaven' by Maranda Curtis.' High-fives from children along the route and encouragement from fellow runners kept him motivated throughout the gruelling ultra-marathon. Despite financial challenges, Thabo was able to make the trip to KwaZulu-Natal thanks to the kindness of those around him. ALSO READ: Kempton Runners ready for 2025 Comrades Marathon 'The only expense I covered was my race entry. Everything else — flights, shoes, accommodation — was sponsored.' Looking ahead, Thabo is already planning for 2026. He hopes to keep his charity donation link open year-round and dreams of representing Community Chest at the London Marathon. 'As soon as the 2026 Comrades date is announced, I'll be one of the first to enter. I plan to run it every year for as long as I can.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Roosevelt Park firefighters conquer Comrades
Two firefighters from the Franklin Roosevelt Park Fire Station have once again proven their mettle, completing the gruelling 2025 Comrades Marathon for the second time. Read more: Watch: Comrades Marathon hero helps collapsed runner finish race This year's down run, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, proved to be a different beast altogether, testing their limits in unexpected ways. Mphekgo Leshalabe crossed the finish line in 10:30:00, earning himself a bronze medal, however, despite the medal, he admitted this year's experience was tougher than his previous uphill run. 'I did not expect a down run to be that difficult,' he confessed. 'Normally, they would say a down run is more difficult than an up run, and I experienced it myself in the marathon. The down run is difficult because I has a lot of injuries. I had blisters and the pain was unbearable on my left foot.' He paid respects to the marathon, adding that it is a different race on its own. 'It is not called the ultimate human race for nothing, finishing the race alone is something else, let alone getting the medal.' Also read: Dabulamanzi Canoe Club paddlers fish out the medals at the ICF World Marathon Championships in Metkovic, Croatia While the reward of finishing was sweet, Leshalabe fell short of his goal of achieving a Bill Rowan medal, coming in under nine hours, setting his sights higher for next year. His teammate, Tendani Nemalamangwa, shared the same experience, finishing in 10:07:00, also securing a bronze, stating that it was a challenge running in this years marathon. 'It was my second down run, so I thought I was going to do better than my first one, but it was just harder. I just think that I have to train more on down runs, but, if I was to choose, I would choose up run, which is much easier.' He emphasised the need for a holistic approach to the race, highlighting nutrition, endurance, and mental resilience as key factors. For him, the Comrades is about overcoming his limits and achieving personal milestones. He plans to focus on increased mileage to improve his performance in future races. Platoon Commander Otsile Kobue applauded the two firefighters for their incredible achievement. 'We are proud of their dedication, commitment, perseverance, and strength. They are an inspiration to all of us.' Their experiences show how even the most seasoned of runners can be challenged by the unpredictable nature of the ultimate human race. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Soweto Marathon back from the brink of collapse At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
