Local runners shine at this year’s Comrades Marathon
There was action in abundance at this year's Comrades Marathon and several athletes from the city shone in one of the world's toughest and most grueling marathons.
POLOKWANE – Local athletes, Ludwick Mamabolo, Rufus Photo and Jane Mudau made the city proud an left their mark on this year’s Comrades Marathon.
The 2012 Comrades Marathon champion, Ludwick Mamabolo, finished the race in second place, crossing the finish line in a time of 05:24:05. This is Mamabolo’s best time since he started running the Comrades.
According to Mamabolo this was a tough race and a lot was expected of him. He thanked God for granting him the strength to finish the race. He said his accomplishments are all because of God’s grace and he is thankful that he finished the race without injury. This was Mamabolo’s fourth down run.
Rufus Photo finished in fifth place, just missing his personal record by 10 seconds with a time of 5:35:40.
Regardless, he said he still enjoyed the race and is glad that he could compete again without injuries hindering him.
Last year Rufus sustained an injury early in the year and struggled during the marathon due to the injury, however, this year he was in good health. “It was a really tough race, mainly due to the pace we were running at. I am sad that I could not improve on my personal record though I think I will do a lot better next year.
“I aim to complete the race in 05:20:00 next year. I want to thank my supporters and teammates for helping me prepare and for their support during the race,” Photo said.
Jane Mudau, another local athlete, did exceptionally well and was able to finish in third place in the Masters category in a time of 08:17:26.
Review spoke to Treasurer of the Pietersburg Road Runners, Johan van der Merwe, about the performance of the club’s athletes during the Comrades.
“Rufus surprised us with his performance. Jane has always been rock steady and a solid runner. She managed to meet our expectations and secured another top 10 spot in the Masters category,” Van der Merwe said.
The Comrades has a team competition where the top four runners of each team’s times determine the team’s position, Pietersburg Road Runners did not disappoint, taking sixth place with their runners, Rufus Photo, Jacob Seduma, Timothy Munzhelele and Lesiba Molomo.
Run Walk for Life Polokwane Chairperson, Kobie Marias, said they are proud that 10 out of their 13 athletes who competed were able to complete the marathon.
“I am proud of all our athletes. This year’s Comrades was tough,” Marias said.
Polokwane Athletics Club Chairperson, Corrie Calitz, said this year’s Comrades was tough.
“The athletes ran at an exceptionally difficult pace and I am very proud to say that we were able to bag four silver medals at this year’s Comrades Marathon,” Calitz said with pride.
