On Friday, 2 June, a send-off ceremony was held at Mudzwiri Lodge for eight of Musina Top Runners Athletics Club's members who will be participating in the Comrades Marathon this coming Sunday (11 June). One of the guest speakers at the function, Mr Roy Kallmann, who is a former Comrades runner and the current engineering manager at De Beers Venetia Mine, advised them to eat healthily and prepare thoroughly for the race.
The Musina Top Runners Athletics Club was started in 2020 and has 39 registered members. Lufuno Musenwa, Lillian Muleya, Albert Mokwena, Cyril Rangwato, Moses Tabe, Xolisani Ndlovu, Masilo Letsoalo and Dingaan Botsane, who will be participating on Sunday, were wished the best of luck for the coming race.
Kallmann told these participants that, although it would be a tough race, the important thing was for them to just relax and enjoy the run with the other athletes from across the globe. "During my time as Comrades runner in 1997, I also belonged to a running club. I am happy you are also in the club because the running club is a source of inspiration. Your ultimate aim should be to finish the race and you should concentrate on the race and forget anything else when you start off on the track. If you feel tired, just walk; don't force yourself to run. Our best wishes for you all. We strongly believe that you will bring back the precious medals," he said.
For Dingaan Botsane, this will be his first Comrades, although he has previously participated in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, the Soweto Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon. He said he was happy and proud to be part of the local club. "I am ready for the challenge, and I will definitely make my mark in this global international race. I thank our club for the courage and enthusiasm towards the preparation for this race."
Lillian Muleya is the first and only female runner from the Musina Top Runners Club to participate in the Comrades Marathon. "This is the first time for me to participate in the Comrades Marathon and I am happy for the opportunity. Being the first woman from this club to make it to the international race is history in its own. I will definitely represent Musina Top Runners very well," she said.
After handing over goody-bags to the runners, Takalani Phaswana from De Beers Venetia Mine wished them well in the coming race.