Emotional Mpati Marathon captures hearts as local Dundee running legend makes a return after fighting cancer
Everyone was a winner on the day which united the community in their support for popular local sports personality, Eugene Corbitt.
Emotions ran high at Saturday’s annual Mpati Mountain Race when local sports legend Eugene Corbitt, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, bravely took on the 5km walk.
He was supported by his wife, Magda; children, Eugene and Leanay; and friends.
Applause rang out around the Dundee Junior School field when Eugene crossed the finish line.
He was hugged and awarded a medal by friend Siyabonga Ngobese, who is also chairman of Eugene’s running club (Biggarsberg Athletics Club).
Eugene is currently fighting several forms of cancer and is still undergoing treatment.
Exhausted but smiling, he seemed to be more interested in the welfare of others – (asking everyone ‘how are you?’) – rather than dwelling on his own health.
Many walkers and runners wore purple, and some even walked along pushing prams adorned with purple balloons to show solidarity with Eugene’s fight against cancer.
Ngobese commented that ‘it was typical of Eugene to brush aside any concerns about himself but rather care about others’.
In the 15km event, local BBAC runner Andile Mbatha took the honours in 53 minutes and 20 seconds, followed by Samkelo Ngobese and Sphamandla Nyembe of Durban. Sonelle Craffert, also of BBAC, won the women’s category in 1 hour 25 minutes while four-year-old Chrizaan Terry got a special cheer after she completed the walk. “Again, this shows that sport, and in particular running, brings all our communities together, which is special,” Ngobese concluded.
4.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za.  Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
