Congratulations are in order for two memorable winners, Edward Mothibi (34) and Stella Marais (25), who made it to the finishing line before everyone else who was involved in the JP Morgan Corporate race on 5 April.
The day had finally arrived where a combination of 14 000 runners, joggers and walkers met at The Wanderers Club, Illovo, took to the street to compete against each other to win an overseas trip. The winner would see themselves in a series finale this year in Boston.
The 5,6km JP Morgan, races in 13 cities across the world and South Africa is the only country in Africa that takes part in the event and all these 13 cities’ winners make it through to the finals.
Mothibi took first place in the males’ side. He reached the finish line within 17 minutes and said he has been running from a very young age. “I am an athlete and I have been looking forward to this event. I even run for Impala Platinum and that is where I work as a clerk.”
Meanwhile, Marais also made it to the end before any female participant, completing her sprint in 21 minutes. “I started running when I was only five and I stopped. But at 19, I went back to being an athlete. I now run for the KPMG Elite Running Team, where I am also doing my articles to become a chartered accountant.”
Photo: Koketso Ratsatsi
This annual JP Morgan race saw people from all walks of life gathered at the same place, with everyone having rather different reasons as to why they entered.
One participant said, for her, ‘It’s just for fun’ and she does it every year.
With such a great turnout, JP Morgan’s spokesperson, Lauren Olivier, said the tickets were sold out after four days of going on sale.
“Every year we try to add to the experience that the participants already have. This event helps our clients to mingle; it is just about networking. It’s also about celebrating sports and health in the workplace,” said Olivier.
“It’s a corporate race and only four people can enter per company, as long as they’re permanently employed. It’s our 15th year running.”
Did you take part in the race? Tweet your pictures @RK_Gazette
Related articles:
JP Morgan returns with annual race challenge