Youth marathon a thrilling affair
Runners from all over the country flocked to the Nkowankowa Stadium to take part in the Youth Challenge Marathon on Saturday morning.
It was indeed a youthful affair as many of the participants where young people including children under the age of 15, who mostly were running with their parents.
Phalaborwa (Lulekani) based Vukosi Khosa won the 5km fun run with the time of 16 minutes and 55 seconds, followed by Selby Baloyi (18) from Nkowankowa Athletics Club with the time of 00:20:45 and on the third place was Rivoningo Ngobeni.
An adorable eight year old boy, Karabo Selelo from N’wamitwa stole everyone’s heart with his run in position five with the time of 00:22:04.
Meanwhile in the 10km men’s open, Phuti Sethowa from Tzaneen Club and a Mokgolobotho resident won the race as anticipated, in second place was Henry Maluleke and in the third place was Lefa Khosa the brother to Vukosi who won the 5km fun race.
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The Khosa boys were accompanied by both parents, Patrick Khosa who is dad and coach and mom Hendrica Khosa.
“I’m very happy with their results and proud of my boys for doing well, they were training hard for the race,”explained Hendrica.
The 10km female’s open race also did not disappoint after Paulinah Matlebjane from Rita won with the time of 00:47:52, followed by Suzanne Shipalana from Shiluvana Village and in third position was Precious Bila from the Greater Elim Club.
In the biggest race of the day Johannesburg based Jacob Maleto from the Nedbank Club won the 21km men’s challenge, followed by Parson Magagane and in third position was Henry Maluleke.
While in the female group Rindani Mulaudzi and teammate, Agnes Mushwana from the Greater Elim Club won first and second position respectively and the third position was taken by Tzaneen Aqua Park resident, Angelinah Banyini.
“The marathon was a great success, I would like to thank the organising committee, the Limpopo Athletics Clubs and their runners, the clubs from different provinces such as Gauteng for being part of our event and to all our sponsors for the support,” concluded Conride Shikwambana, Race Organiser.
