Bheki all set to tackle Comrades

THE Grade 12 learners at St Mary’s DSG gathered to support running enthusiast and part-time grounds keeper, Bheki Khumalo, ensuring his dream of taking part in this year’s Comrades became a reality.

A teacher noticed Bheki wearing a Comrades’ peak one day and, having run the race herself, asked if he had taken part in the Comrades Marathon.

She discovered that he had run the race no less than 13 times and his best time was 06.52.00. He has also raked in five silver medals, seven Bill Rowan medals and one bronze medal.

ALSO READ: Five runners head for 40th Comrades run

Bheki did not run in 2015 as he did not have the funds needed to cover the entry fee. When the Grade 12 girls at the school heard Bheki’s story they unanimously decided that, as a grade, they would like to sponsor him to run in the 2017 Comrades. To match his race number, they launched Operation 35033.

Operation 35033 has paid for Bheki’s entry, training, running shoes, clothing and health supplements such as Bio-Strath.

ALSO READ: Sports mad doctor laces up for Comrades

The Class of 2017, and their teacher, —Carpenter will support him on race day with gazebos along the route and tracking his progress.

“All the best to Bheki, Solly Nzima (catering manager) and Gail Main (physical science teacher) who are also set to compete in the ultimate human race,” said Lisa Abbott, the school’s marketing and communications administrator.

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