Runners in high spirits ahead of Soweto marathon
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday October 24, 2017 15:03
The Old Mutual Soweto marathon is divided into 42.2 kilometres (km), 21.1km and 10km races. Last year, four runners from the club made their debut at the competition. Diacore spokesperson, Thabo Makgato told Mmegi Sport preparations for the event are at advanced level and the mood among the athletes is high. He said there has been some technical changes that they had to make due to lessons learnt from last year’s edition.
“We got a coach for the athletes so that he can grill them for the race. Recently, they have been working on speed and the technique execution. Many runners are expected to take part in the race and our athletes should be able to handle the pressure,” Makgato said.
Meanwhile, some of the runners who will take part in the Soweto marathon were involved the third edition of the Modipane marathon over the weekend. The marathon was organised by Sportsview Runners club. Senior men’s 10km winner, Rapula Diphoko said he was
impressed by his performance at the race. He won the race with a time of 31.46. The win follows the 21.1km half marathon held last month at the University of Botswana stadium.
“I have improved a lot. I clocked 14.47 in the first five kilometres and I also become very strong in the last kilometres. I am happy by the way we communicate with my teammate, Sesebo Matlapeng. He pushes me to another level,” he said.
Diphoko said he is looking forward to doing well at the Soweto marathon. He said it has been a good year for him and there is nothing that can stop him from excelling at the competition.
Matlapeng finished second position with a time of 32.10 and Dikgakgamatso Modisagape of Sportsview was third with a time of 32.41.
Mema Thiango, who will also take part in the Soweto race, finished in second position, behind Maitumelo Gotswakgosi of BDF, in the women’s race. Thiango finished with a time of 40.21 while the winner clocked 40.13. Thiango said she did not expect much from the weekend race because she has been resting for the past two weeks. She said her plan is to start proper training this week as part of preparations for Soweto marathon.
“I finished in position four last year. I plan to either keep my position or do better. Remember that I was competing there for the first time,” she said.
Third position went to Gosego Mbinda of BDF who crossed the line in 43.03. The race was divided into junior men and women, veteran men and women, grand master for both men and women.