Seshego Marathon supports underprivileged learners

POLOKWANE – The Seshego Marathon, founded by the Sisonke Foundation NPC, aims to support underprivileged learners by addressing reading barriers and oral hygiene.

The foundation also helps learners with reading difficulties by providing reading glasses.

The marathon, which took place on September 15, serves as a fundraising initiative to promote a healthy lifestyle within the Seshego community and surrounding areas.

This year’s event saw nearly 900 athletes participating in the annual ultra marathon, held under the theme ‘The Year of Jubilee’.

The marathon, organised by the Sisonke Running Club, featured four race categories: a 50km run, a 21.1km half marathon, a 10km race, and a 5km fun run.

Phateng Kgomo, marketing and communication director for the marathon, explained, “Our flagship 50km race connects two townships, Mankweng and Seshego, symbolising a ‘from kasi to kasi’ run. The other race distances all began and ended at the stadium, circling through the community.”

Kgomo highlighted the unique touch added to the 5km race, which featured a mascot to entertain children, bringing extra flair to the event.

He expressed confidence in the marathon’s potential to grow organically through word-of-mouth, helping to build a distinctive brand.

Runners who completed the marathon were awarded medals in recognition of their perseverance and dedication.

The event’s total prize money was R250 000.

“We are grateful to all the athletes, participants, and sponsors who contributed to making this event a success. A special thanks to Coca-Cola, our beverage sponsor, for ensuring our refreshment stations, including the finish line, were well stocked,” Kgomo concluded.