SA’s twin queens of the road ready for T2T Marathon

PROMINENT running duo, the Phalula twins – Diana-Lebo and Lebogang – are gearing up to take part in the seventh annual Township 2 Township (T2T) Marathon from uMlazi to KwaMashu on 25 September.

“We’re excited to run T2T as it’s a great event and also a great opportunity for us to qualify for the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons” said Diana-Lebo, who made her Olympics debut in Rio.

The Township to Township Marathon was established in 2009 to highlight and preserve the history of the uMlazi, KwaMashu and Chesterville townships and as a way of promoting running in these communities.

The 32-year-old Phalula power team have run together throughout their highly successful careers. Among their many achievements, Lebogang has won the prestigious Two Oceans half-marathon while Lebo became the first black woman to represent South Africa in the Olympic marathon when she was selected for the 2016 Games.

They regard themselves as team-mates rather than rivals, running with an almost telepathic understanding of each other, even sharing prize money in events they both enter.

Their sporting journey had humble beginnings, explains Diana-Lebo, at a primary school in Diepkloof as barefoot sprinters before their coach helped both of them to transform into world-beating distance runners: “We never viewed ourselves as disadvantaged. We grew up comfortably, not because we were wealthy, just because we had never known to want anything beyond what we needed to get by.”

The twins attribute their success to hard work and determination in the face of obstacles.

“Our challenges began when we started running professionally. Without a sponsor it was difficult to travel to major events. Races start quite early and it was a hassle and very expensive for us to get to some of them in time,” said Diana-Lebo.

Lebogang believes that it was a willingness to do whatever it takes that got them to their goals and she encourages all aspiring runners to adopt the same approach and to get involved in races like T2T.

The 42km T2T marathon will start at 5.30am on Sunday 25 September at the King Zwelithini Stadium in uMlazi and end at kwaMashu’s Princess Magogo Stadium. The 21km half marathon will start at 5.30am at Chesterville Sasol Garage and end at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu.

To enter, go to: township2townshipmarathon.co.za and register to take part in the race.

Township 2 Township details:

When: Sunday, 25 September 2016

Start: Marathon – King Zwelithini Stadium, uMlazi, Durban

Half marathon – Chesterville Sasol Garage, Durban

Times: Marathon: 05:30

Half marathon: 05:30

To enter, go to [township2townshipmarathon.co.za] and register to take part in the race.

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