Seven silver medals for George
Springs police athlete Const George Mpati (34) is proud of his seven silver medals he has won by competing in several half-marathons throughout the year.
He has his aim set for the gold and believes his time has improved dramatically, which will make it easier for him to focus on the gold medal.
“When I run a half-marathon, I run it at my own pace,” he says.
Half-marathons are usually run at a distance of 21km and to be able to compete George runs 19km three times a week.
This Tsakane resident competed in the Rocket City Marathon championships two weeks ago, where he received three silver medals.
He feels his times have improved drastically since his first race earlier this year and he finished the race in 1:21, a personal best, and received his first silver medal.
The championships is where several athletes from the different provinces compete.
George received his second silver at this competition for representing Gauteng and the third silver was for finishing the race.
“It is a three-in-one win ,” he says.
He also received silver medals in the following half-marathons: Wanderers AC (1:24) on August 28, Garsfontein Icebreaker (1:26) in July, Benoni Northern Marathon (1:27) in April 24 and the Birchwood Race (1:29) on April 17.
He also ran a 42km marathon in January where he received a bronze medal.
“My time was 3:32 and I am aiming for less than three hours.
George was never interested in running long distances before he joined the police six years ago.
“I always won the distances we used to run at the police college, which motivated me to take up running,”‘ says George.
The first-ever competition he competed in was the 10km Soul City race in 2011.
He ran that in 40 minutes, “now that inspired me to do even better”.
George is always up for a challenge and is looking forward to the Soweto 42km Marathon on November 6.
