LIMPOPO – Athlete Timothy Munzhelele of the Murray & Roberts Athletic Club won the 42km Spar Tzaneen Tuffy 4-in-1 Marathon which was held on March 4.
The Makonde-born Munzhelele finished the race in 2:45.
He started running while he was still a learner at Nyadzani Secondary School at Thengwe.
At that stage he was interested in many sporting disciplines, including volleyball, he told CV.
“As a young man I dreamed about being a good runner and I was encouraged by sportsmen such as Bethuel Netshifhefhe,” he said.
He paid tribute to his family for assisting him in realising his dreams. “My mother was always supporting me and guiding me,” he says.
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Dedication and humility are the true hallmarks of a successful athlete, he added.
“Some people will say that athletes who come from Limpopo suffer and that’s why they do so well, but I don’t think of it like that. I think success comes from what you want in life. The most important thing is to be disciplined and humble and listen to your parents and your coach.”
He said the competition on the day was tough, but that he was well-prepared.
“What I like about this competition is that, once you complete your race, you feel as if you are on top of the world.”
Munzhelele said that he has decided to return to home for his preparations. He promised his fans that he is going to perform well during the Two Ocean Marathon that will take place in April.
“Running the Comrades Marathon was an incredible experience last year. I did not know what to expect, but finishing well inside the top 100 bracket was a dream come true.”
This year, he hopes to finish in the top ten at the Comrades.
“I just hope I will be in the right frame of mind on the day of the race,” he said.
He acknowledged and thanked all those who sponsored him throughout his athletics career.
“People have sponsored me financially, morally and also encouraged me to work hard. Had it not been for sponsors, I don’t think I would have made it this far on my own.”
