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MARATHON TO HONOUR OUR HERO MANDELA

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Lusanda Lolwana (left) and Athletics Transkei president Lungisile Molwana.
Lusanda Lolwana (left) and Athletics Transkei president Lungisile Molwana.
ZIYANDA ZWENI

TOP RUNNERS from across Africa are expected to converge on the southern tip of the continent in honour of the late statesman Nelson Mandela on 3 December.

The 2017 edition of the Heroes Marathon, which also features a 21,1km and 10km race, is held in the first week of December to mark Madiba’s passing on 5 December 2013. 

Enthusiastic runners will set off from Mthatha Airport and make their way to the finish line at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu, says Athletics Transkei president Lungisile Molwana.

The department of sport indicated yesterday that R1 million has been sunk into this race to ensure that the event honouring Madiba goes as planned.

The race has attracted athletes from as far afield as Ethiopia, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Organisers have indicated that 49% of the R1m will go towards prize money while the rest will be used for preparations.

“We’re expecting more than 3?000 athletes, including well known runners such as Zongamele Dyuben and Lusanda Bomvana,” said Molwana at the launch in Mthatha’s Garden Court hotel yesterday. 

“This year’s event will be different in many ways. More athletes have shown interest in the race, which goes to show that we are doing the right thing. 

“We are struggling financially but one thing we do have here in abundance is talent.”

OR Tambo district’s director in the department, Nompendulo Msi, said the event formed part of the build-up to the Nelson Mandela Centenary celebrations.

She said: “We regard the Heroes Marathon as one of the flagship programmes for rural development of sport. This will uplift the standard of sport in rural areas. We appeal to clubs to encourage athletes to compete in honour of Madiba.”

One of the local athletes who has confirmed her participation and is looking forward to the event is Lusanda Lolwana, who finished fifth in last year’s 10km event.

“I can’t wait to compete. My aim is to win the race this time,” she said.

Lolwana encouraged other athletes especially women, to take part.

Entries close on 2 December. Registration is done at Walter Sisulu University’s Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha.


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