Runner not slowing down

Long-distance runner Lesiba Mmotlana hopes the achievements of local runners will encourage organisers to host official races in Springs.

“It is my wish to see more official races hosted in Springs, as well as a marathon as a Comrades qualifier.

“I would also like to see more Ekurhuleni residents taking part in sports, such as walking, running, and aerobics, in general.

“That is where communities would meet daily and train together to encourage healthy living,” said Mmotlana.

Mmotlana works for the Department of Correctional Services and is stationed in Modderbee Correctional Facility.

“On June 9, I was part one of the athletes from Modderbee Correctional Services who participated in the 2024 Comrades Marathon up-run, covering 85.9km.

“I managed to finish the race in 7 hours, 29 minutes and 47 seconds earning myself a silver medal.

“I feel like my preparations towards the Comrades was good, and most importantly our sport goes hand-in-hand with good diet, discipline, dedication, passion and focus,” he added.

He said that securing a silver medal at his fifth Comrades will remain one of the highlights of his sporting career.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all training clubs and training groups around Springs that we train with to prepare for this beautiful world-class marathon and also my club, Modderbee Athletics Club, for the awesome support they give to us.

“I also thank my family at large for the support, and the community of Wright Park for their support as they see some of us runners training in the streets of our suburb,” said Mmotlana.

Mmotlana explained that his preparations for this year’s Comrades started in July, last year.

“Having to push enough mileage in training and good nutrition, during my preparation I managed to run Sanlam Capetown Marathon (42km) and finish in 3 hours, 5 minutes, 44 seconds in October.

“I also ran Thoughest Pirates (21km) in Joburg and finished in 1 hour, 27 minutes in February.

“In March I ran an Ethekwini Best of the Best marathon (42km) in KwaZulu-Natal and finished in 3 hours, 33 seconds.

“During the first weekend of April, I ran the Irene Ultra Marathon (48km) in Centurion and finished in 3 hours, 36 minutes as a Comrades Marathon qualifier, and on April 21, I ran Benoni Northerns Ultra Marathon 48km with a time of 4 hours, 36 minutes.

“I am so happy with the progress and I love running,” he exclaimed.

Mmotlana is also the ambassador of Waterfall City half marathon (21km) taking place on August 18 at Mall of Africa.

“I would like to request all runners around and within our communities of Springs to come to Mall of Africa and experience this vibrant race,” he said.

Follow all Waterfall City Athletics Club social media networks to get more information on the free parking space for race days and upcoming competitions to win prizes.

The race consists of distances which are 21km, 10km and 5km, starting at Mall of Africa and finishing at the mall.

Online entries are still open.