21 hours ago
Limpopo runners make their mark at Comrades 2025
TZANEEN
Tintswalo Shipalana
The Tzaneen flag flew high at the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 8. Although no one from the local clubs managed to get a gold medal, a few managed to get a silver.
Nkateko Ndlala, born and raised in Tzaneen and a member of the University of Limpopo Athletics Club, finished his race clocking 07:02:29, making him the fastest runner locally when compared to other clubs.
Stephen Madiye and Thomas Arnoldus de Wet from Nedbank Running Club also walked away with the silver medals after finishing with the times of 07:22:56 and 07:25:33, respectively.
Ndlala told the Herald that he is happy with his time, especially the fact that he improved on last year's 07:16:04.
'I had three goals in mind ahead of the race: the first one was to finish the race; the second one was to get another silver medal; and to finish under seven hours. Although I did not manage to finish under seven hours, I'm still happy with my time,' he said.
Meanwhile, Cor van Heyningen from Tzaneen Marathon Club did his 17th Comrades Marathon finishing in 10:28:06. However, this was not his usual run; he was appointed as one of the pacesetters for runners under 10:30:00.
He was carrying a flag on his back and his main task was to help runners keep the pace to the finishing line.
'The race was tough because there were a lot of people on the road, however, I enjoyed it, and I was not running for myself, but I was assisting people to achieve a goal, which is rewarding for me,' he said.
Other Tzaneen Marathon Club's fastest runners included JJ Pelser with 08:49:12; Nadia Claasen clocked 08:55:33; Mariska Bosch who finished in 09:11:36 and Shin Mabunda who finished in 10:38:32.
Le' Club Tzaneen was represented by Ankia Botha, who finished in the time of 10:44:17. Botha, a teacher at Tzaneen Primary School, told the Herald that the downhill parts of the route were tough with her feet hurting, but she is happy she was able to finish the race despite the challenging race.
Letaba Road Runners' fastest runners were Hector Nkuna with the time of 08:13:49, followed by Gift Khosa, who completed his first Comrades in 09:22:37 and Patrick Mhlongo finished his race in 09:55:26.
Nkowankowa Athletics Club was represented by Sam Ntsanwisi, who clocked 08:30:50 and Bonakala Shiburi in 10:58:53.
Ofcolaco Marathon Club was also represented by Susie Snell as the fastest runner among her club members with a time of 09:56:30. Arthur Davies finished in 10:14:47, and Christie Boucher finished her race in 10:41:46.
This year's Comrades Marathon saw South African runners dominate the podium.
Tete Dijana claimed his third win, bouncing back from last year's 14th-place finish to complete the race in 05:25:28. In the women's race, Gerda Steyn secured her fourth Comrades victory, finishing in 05:51:19.
HOEDSPRUIT
Anwen Mojela
A group of thirteen athletes from Maruleng Local Municipality (MLM) took part in the 98th Comrades Marathon over the weekend.
Taking on the 89km in a down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban were Masilo Rakgoale, Letsoni Malepe, Cate Vuyeka Vuma, Tumelo Makwela, Mothibi Maponya, Collins Shokoane, Ronald
Mathebula, Aubrey Mahlako, Leshabetse Mametja, Harry Moyo, Jacky Bango, Julian Mgiba and Dorah Mothiba.
'These athletes have shown incredible dedication to their training in the months leading up to the race. Each runner has a unique story and motivation for participating in such a challenging event. Some are seasoned runners who have participated in the marathon before, while others are first-timers eager to prove themselves. Training for the Comrades Marathon requires long hours of running, often in difficult conditions. The athletes trained together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among them as they prepared for the race,' said MLM Mayor Tsheko Musolwa.
Musolwa has extended his support to the municipality's runners.
In a gesture of encouragement, Musolwa donated running shoes to the athletes at a special event held at the Southern Sun Hotel in Durban. He also applauded the runners for their dedication, discipline, and commitment to months of intensive training in preparation for the prestigious race.
'These athletes have made immense sacrifices to qualify for this iconic event. As a local government, we have a responsibility to promote and support sports tourism, and to uplift our local champions who carry our flag on national platforms,' he said.
Mametja, a Comrades novice, was the first of the Maruleng group of runners to cross the finish line in an impressive time of 07:46:06.
The mayor congratulated Mametja, describing him as one of the most dedicated and disciplined athletes to emerge from the region.
'His performance is a source of pride for our municipality and a testament to the resilience and determination that defines the spirit of Maruleng,' said the mayor.
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