Pensioners keep healthy one marathon at a time

LIMPOPO – The duo from Schoornord in the Sekhukhune district and Seshego in the Capricorn district believe running promotes a healthy lifestyle and they both participated in several Comrades Marathons and Two Oceans Marathons, bringing home the medals and bragging rights.

They also participated in the recent Comrades Marathon in Durban, both finishing the marathon in style.

Mosehla said he started running long distances 55 years ago while he was still in primary school.

“I have run several marathons and will continue to do so for as long as I can,” he said with pride, adding participating in sports is not about winning prizes but is about keeping our bodies healthy and strong.

“Because of my passion for running marathons, I believe I will stay healthy and feeling young forever. I represented several athletic teams from Limpopo during my races and we used to win medals as it was our dream to do so.”

He told CV that he would wake up early every morning and run several kilometers to maintain his health.

“We need to take sports seriously because by doing so we will build a good nation,” he said, adding it is a pity the youth is not showing an interest in taking part in sports.

“Running such long marathons makes our bodies more supple and able to fight diseases.”

Mashalane added there are many athletes across Limpopo and they should not be discouraged when they do not win prizes during marathons.

“We are a province of champions and we should not give up on our dreams,” he said. “To achieve things in life, one needs to have ambition and passion towards one’s goals,” said Mashalane, adding when something becomes part of your daily routine, it becomes more enjoyable.

“I’m old now but I have lived a healthy life and have never been admitted to hospital due to illness,” he added, encouraging government to reach out to specifically rural areas with relation to sport because he believes that is where the talent is.

capvoice@nmgroup.co.za