Coach Zakes Moatshe runs 160 kilometres

In what could leave first-time runners green with envy, Modimolle’s Fitness for All athletics club coach, Ezekiel “Zakes” Moatshe, has recently completed 160km in the Washie 100 miler.

The 43rd edition of Washie 100 Miler road-running event took place from Friday 12 July to Saturday 13 July, starting from Cathcart to East London in the Eastern Cape.

Moatshe said it was a tough but great experience for him as an athlete on the one hand, while on the other it will serve as a motivation to his team members.

“It was really tough. I never imagined myself running a single marathon for two days, but through determination I managed to do it,” he said.

He told The BEAT the journey required both physical and mental strength, in order to accomplish the ultimate end.

“The Comrades Marathon is tough, but this one is more challenging. It is twice as hard when compared to the Comrades Marathon,” he said.

When compared to other events such as the Comrades Marathon, where the participants have the luxury of accessing water points and the likes, at the Washie athletes have to organise their own
back-up and support on the road.

“This is one personal experience which will help me to strengthen my team members further. In order to be able to tell people about something, you need to go out there and feel it,” he told The BEAT.

— The BEAT