Local runner Timothy Munzhelele (35) from Makonde is on his way to taking part in what may very well be the fastest 100km race in the world that is being organised by Nord Security and world-renowned ultra-marathon runner Aleksandr Sorokin. It takes place this Sunday (14 May) in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Aleksandr Sorokin made international headlines last year when he broke the Men's 100km World Record, completing the distance in 6:05:41. He is considered to be the fastest ultrarunner of all time. He holds five world records, on the track and road, from 100 km to 24-hour runs. Sorokin is determined to beat this record on Sunday, with the assistance of long-distance runners from across the world.
Two South African runners, Timothy Munzhelele and Craig Cynkin, were invited to take part in this prestigious race. The race takes place under the auspices of the Lithuanian Athletics Federation, in conjunction with the Lithuanian Ultra Runners Association.
Munzhelele, who competes under the banner of the Murray & Roberts Athletics Club, is confident that he will do well in the race. He is currently in excellent physical form, which he proved by winning the SPAR Tzaneen Tuffy 4-in-1 Marathon in March this year.
He was supposed to participate in the Two Oceans Marathon last month, but because of this invitation to participate in the European race, he had to cancel and focus on his preparation.
"I am looking forward to the 100km run, as it is the only race before the Comrades Marathon. I'm prepared for it. The training went well, so last week I just did some easy jogs, relaxing, getting a lot of rest and making sure that my legs are ready for Sunday. I'm carbo-loading, which is basically putting enough carbs in my body to make sure I am able to sustain myself for the distance. I intend to use this race as a confidence booster before the Comrades Marathon. I will give them a run for their money. I am confident that I can finish in a good time in Europe. The plan is to finish the race in under seven hours," Munzhelele said.
He says he feels honoured to have received the invitation to represent South Africa at the European race. "This is a great opportunity for me to compete overseas," he said.
Munzhelele's coach, Mr Takalani Mavhona, who is also the chairperson of the Vhembe Athletics Club, said: "We are using our own money to transport this boy everywhere he goes, so with support he can go far." He said he was confident that Munzhelele would come back with silverware.