Last Saturday was a memorable day for runners who participated in this year’s edition of the Comrades Marathon. The Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), together with Alumuku Tour and the Hunger Relief Initiative, honoured all the runners who finished the marathon during a ceremony held at Khoroni Hotel.
According to one of the organisers, Godfrey Netshiongolwe, 80 runners from nine athletics clubs based in Vhembe took part in this year’s Comrades Marathon — 66 men and 14 women. Only 21 of them did not finish the race.
One of the athletes who participated in this year’s marathon, Steven Masinge, appealed to the leadership of VDM to consider assisting athletes from Vhembe when they travel to the Comrades Marathon.
In response, VDM acting general manager of the Community Services Directorate, David Mabasa, assured the athletes that they would receive full support from the municipality starting next year.
Runners who reached the finish line each received a certificate. The top three runners in both the men’s and women’s categories also received cash awards. The top five runners in both categories were given shopping vouchers worth R1,000 each from Thavhani Mall management.
A local athlete who has participated in the Comrades Marathon for more than two decades, Ntshavheni Nenguda, was also presented with a trophy during the ceremony.
It was further announced that the Vhembe District Municipality will organise a 56-kilometre marathon in April next year to prepare local athletes for the Comrades Marathon.