Springs club members emerge victorious in Comrades Marathon
Four residents from Wright Park were among club members from various athletics clubs in Ekurhuleni who participated in the Comrades Marathon on June 8.
Two of them brought home Bill Rowan medals while the other two secured Vic Clapham medals.
One of the Bill Rowan medal holders, Noko Matlou, said he felt honoured to have completed his fourth Comrades Marathon in eight hours and 58 minutes.
The marketing manager from the City of Ekurhuleni Athletics Club added that his achievement serves as motivation to keep up the momentum.
'Last year I received the bronze medal, so this year's victory encourages me to maintain the standard I have set for myself.
'When you have completed the marathon before, you are already mentally prepared for the trail; all you have to do is focus on the end goal,' he said.
Lesiba Mmotlana from Correctional Services completed the race in seven hours and 57 minutes. This was his sixth time participating.
The Vic Clapham medal holders, Jabulani Kwinika and Phephile Dlamini, from SAPS and Kwa-Thema Striders respectively, finished in 11:53:18 and 11:27:27.
Matlou said it took a lot of preparation to be fully ready.
'We usually organise club runs where we check each other's fitness levels. As participants from the City of Ekurhuleni, we have a record to maintain; we therefore cannot allow any of our members to be inconsistent as that will affect our record,' he added.
He concluded that they are looking forward to recruiting more women to join.
'We are hoping to have at least 10 women next year,' Matlou said.
Councillors Thulani Simelane, Vusumuzi Gamede and Isaac Masite were there to support and cheer on the participants.
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