THOUSANDS of runners, young and old, took part in the fourth annual Chris Hani Freedom Marathon on Saturday.
The struggle hero’s tiny home town of Cofimvaba was abuzz with activity for the race, which runs through his village of Sabalele.
Runners like 75-year-old Luntu Fente from Gwatyu ran for 25km in honour of Hani, who used to walk that distance every day as a youth on his way to school.
Other runners took part in the 10km race to honour the distance he walked on Sundays, when going to church.
Athletics Transkei president Lungisile Molwana said: “It is in races like these that true legends of sport and world champions are born.
“Do not take for granted the 5km distances you are running today. Look at the likes of Lungile Gongqa, who recently won the 2017 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. He started here.
“Determination and discipline go hand in hand when building sport champions.”
Catherine Skosana (36) from Tshwane won the 10km women’s race and walked away with a cheque of R10 000, while Anele Dlamini (30) from Durban won the men’s marathon.
The champion of the main race, 28-year-old Siyabonga Nkonde from Newcastle, successfully defended his championship won last year.
Jeanette Dlamini (22) from Umzimkhulu won in the women’s marathon and walked away with R25 000.
Mtetunzima Jack, standing in for the mayor of Chris Hani Municipality, Kholiswa Vimbayo, said: “The aim of this event has been achieved.
“The people who participated in the marathon are developing their talent, and if they don’t underestimate themselves, they will go far. Education combined with sport produces excellent leaders for a powerful nation.
“That is what Chris Hani was all about.”