Roosevelt Park firefighters earn silver at Comrades Marathon

Roosevelt Park Fire Department firefighters earn silverware at the 97th Comrades Marathon as their very own, Mphekgo Leshalabe and Tendani Nemalamangwa, achieved remarkable success on June 9.

The Comrades Marathon is an ultramarathon held annually in South Africa, known as ‘The Ultimate Human Race’ and considered one of the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathons. Both firefighters earn a silver medal for completing in nine hours.

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Leshalabe, who bagged his first silver medal, shared his experience of running the marathon successfully. He emphasised the importance of training and endurance, stating that it is not about pace or becoming number one, but rather about gaining experience and mental strength. He also mentioned the challenge of balancing his work as a firefighter with preparing for the marathon. “I trained for six months and I am grateful to my coach (Benzi), for his guidance.”

Nemalamangwa, who earned his second silver, also shared his experience while emphasising the need to respect the race and acknowledging that it is not easy.

He mentioned the challenge of running uphill and the importance of thorough preparation. Nemalamangwa expressed his appreciation for his club, Run Zone Athletic Club, and the guidance he received from the club chairman, who has extensive experience with the marathon. He received the Robert Mtshali medal for completing the race in nine hours. “I see the Comrades Marathon as the best marathon in the world and I would participate again.”

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