WATCH: Local athletes ready to take on the Comrades Marathon

Thousands of runners are expected to pack their running gear to take part in the one-day event.

June 6, 2024

Fanie Mthupha 2 minutes read

Qhubeka Athletic Club members were treated to a special Comrades send-off breakfast at News Cafè Boksburg on June 1.

Boksburg’s Qhubeka Athletic Club members, who secured a place in one of the country’s most popular epic races (Comrades Marathon), say they are ready to tackle the annual challenge.
It will be held in Durban on June 9.

The 97th Comrades Marathon, covering a distance of 85.91km, will start at the Durban City Hall at 05:30 and end 12 hours later at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
Qhubeka will be sending 64 of its athletes to the start of the up-run.

Dozens of Qhubeka athletes secured a place in one of the country’s most popular epic races (Comrades Marathon).

Speaking to the Boksburg Advertiser during a special send-off held at News Café (Boksburg), Qhubeka AC members shared their goals. Some will be looking to simply finish the race, while others will be aiming to finish within set specific times.

Here is what they are aiming for:

Qhubeka AC members shared their specific goals respectively.

Mahlomula Myameni said he was feeling a little bit nervous ahead of this year’s Comrades as this will be his first attempt. However, he believes that he is fully prepared.
He has been preparing for the day since January, and his training plan included 400km a month to get him used to the rigours of being on his feet for several hours during the marathon.
“I followed my coach’s instructions and plans. My target as a novice will be to get at least the Robert Mtshali medal.”

Jako Ferreira said he is excited for his first attempt, and believes that crossing the finish line will be the most amazing moment for him.
“I have clocked 240km during my training period and I’m happy to be part of this experience.”

Molefe Motseki said getting ready for the Comrades Marathon in the past couple of months was a challenge. He has 16 Comrades under his belt and is hoping to finish within the set time.
“I’ve been a member of different clubs for over 15 years and I’m excited about joining Qhubeka where I have been a member for nine months.”

Olivia Khalo said: “As a proud member of Qhubeka AC, I’m ready for my third Comrades. I am injury-free. I promised my coach that I was going to fetch my medal.
“I finished my first up-run in 11.30, so my goal is to finish before that time. To be realistic, finishing in 10.20 will be great. My coach advised me not to limit myself so I’m up for the challenge.”

Nhlanhla Khumalo said: “I’m going for my third Comrades with Qhubeka AC, and my goal is to at least win the Robert Mtshali medal. I’ve trained for it and I’ve got to trust myself.”

Keletso Sikhosana refused to let illness prevent him from tackling the run. He ran the marathon in 2019 and is determined to compete again this year.
“I’m a new Qhubeka member and this year I’m looking to finish in under eight hours. I did quite a lot of training. Although my knees are complaining and I’m dealing with a long-term ITB syndrome, I think I’m ready. I’m looking forward to the day.”

Encouragement
Qhubeka AC chairperson and coach Benzi Tenza expressed words of encouragement.

“We managed to reach a 94% finish last year, and our target for this year is 95%. We have done our homework and followed the programme.
“Our athletes are ready and most of them are injury-free. So we are looking forward to a successful, energetic and active Comrades with very good results.
“Our motto this year is ‘You have got what it takes’. So when our boys and girls go up those hills we know we have what it takes.”