Comrade runners wished well in Bromhof
Nthabiseng Sethoga said she looks forward to host this get-together every year.
Comrade Marathon runners were treated in a special event aimed to show support and encouragement before the big day on June 9, in KZN.
Enoch Soko, who will be running his 12th Comrades this year explained that he is excited and hopeful that things will go well and hope to have a personal best.
“I trained well, and I am very motivated to achieve my goal. The community supported us well. We had a prayer meeting to set us off and it felt special to have that support.”
Every year friends, relatives and families meet in Bromhof to encourage and pray for runners going to the Comrades Marathon.
They have fun activities like mini-Comrades, singing Shosholoza, Chariots of Fire and the National Anthem. The runners are given gifts like socks and Energy bars. They cut the cake and enjoyed lunch.
Olivia Mashimbyi- Khalo, who will be running her fourth Comrades, said that she has mixed emotions – she is excited yet nervous at the same time.
“I am trusting the process; training went well and I know I will do well. With 1 300km mileage, I have trained well to finish the race. It is very encouraging knowing that you have support behind you, and it reminds me that I am accountable to focus on completing the race for myself and the community behind me. It is overwhelming to experience this kind of love and support.”
Nthabiseng Sethoga, the organiser and Mrs SA semi-finalist 2024 said she decided to host because she is a big supporter of the Comrades.
“Running takes commitment, courage and zeal. As a walker myself I know how much it means to have support. It is important to gather and believe together in a common goal. This year is extra special for me as a semi-finalist. I am encouraging myself as well not to give up on the journey.”
She added that the day and get-together was a big success. “We sang, danced, prayed – we were encouraging each other. They were excited, humbled and happy and the female runner encouraged us ladies who were there, to join in.”
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