[PHOTOS] Athletes brave the weather for Mall of the North Marathon

POLOKWANE – The excited group of runners from various clubs across the country exchanged tips and running techniques during their 5km fun run, 10km, 21.1km and 42.2km races.

Local runners Lutendo Mapoto and Kamogelo Mogano won the 10km men’s and women’s division respectively.

Piet Sebalo from Mpumalanga took the title of the 21.1km race while Tebogo Pilusa outpaced legendary runners Rufus Photo and 2012 Comrade Marathon winner Ludwick Mamabolo in the 42.2km race.

Sebalo, who won the 21.1km race, said it was good to return to the roads and run competitively. “It was tough due to the weather, but I just want to thank my coach for preparing me well for the race.”

Pilusa said he cannot believe he won against strong competitors in the race. “I cannot believe I won the race. It was my first time running the 42.2km. I am astonished that I outran the likes of Photo and Mamabolo. These are the people I grew up idolising. I used to watch them on television during the Comrades Marathon and I am happy to have shared a race track with them.”

Photo, who finished in the fifth position at the 2014 Comrades Marathon, won the 42.2km veterans’ category while Mamabolo came second. Photo said the race formed part of his preparations for the Comrades Marathon scheduled for August in Durban. “It was a good race. I enjoyed it and it helped me in my preparations.

“The last time I competed at the Comrades Marathon was in 2019. I have prepared well for the event as I started to practise in February.”

Some dignitaries that participated in the event were Polokwane Mayor John Mpe and Lepelle Nkumpi Mayor Marriam Molala.

Event organiser Corrie Calitz from the Polokwane Athletic Club thanked the runners for participating in the event. “Despite the taxi protest and the rain they still showed up and we want to thank them for that. It was a successful event and everyone was happy to be a part of it.”