First-timers grace Comrades Marathon

The Modimolle-based athletics club, Fitness for All has reason to be proud after two of its members who were running Comrades Marathon for the first time did well in the annual race.

This year’s uphill event started in Durban and finished in Pietermaritzburg, on Sunday, 9 June.

Frans Rabapane was the first male athlete from his team to finish the race, while Sarah Baloyi was the only female athlete who managed to finish the race.

Rabapane brought home a Bill Rowan medal (bronze-centred circled by silver ring).

The medal is awarded to athletes between 7 hours and 30min to 9 hours.

Hot on the heels of Rabapane were fellow Fitness for All members (in order of finishing) Piet Sekgabi, Kwena Lamola, Mike Selamolela and Tsheletsi Selepe.

All the above-mentioned received Robert Mtshali medals (titanium), for finishing within 9 to 10 hours.

They were followed by Mochawane Ledwaba, Samson Mabiya, Lucas Seleka, coach Ezekiel Moatshe and Lucas Seodisa, who all received Vic Clapham Medals.

Vic Clapham medal (copper) is awarded to athletes who finished within 11 hours to 12 hours.

On the female side, Baloyi was awarded a Vic Clapham medal.

Baloyi and Rabapane shared their story with The Beat readers.

Baloyi said she had to be strong mentally and fix her eyes on the prize.

“All I was looking at was the prize, and nothing else on the road. Comrades Marathon is not an easy race. You must first be strong in the mind and you can do it,” she said.

Baloyi dedicated her success to the coaches and team members for their support.

Rabapane said it was all thanks to hard work and proper training.

“I worked according to plan, and did not want to push too hard because I had to save some energy. Comrades Marathon is not easy, you just need to stick to your plan,” he said. Rabapane said he will now focus on recovering, then start preparing for the next season.

— The BEAT