Welkom’s star marathon runner Nkhetheni Masupa made very good time during the annual 2023 Sani Stagger Endurance Marathon, finishing tenth overall in this grueling race.
He took first position in his category, clocking 4:18.
The marathon is ranked eighth in the world under the most difficult trail events.
Held on 11 November, it comprises a tough 42 km marathon and a more sedate 21 km half marathon.
The course runs 21,1 km up Sani Pass to the Lesotho border post, and then 21,1 km back down the pass.
Masupa says it was a tough run.
“The climb to the Sani Pass summit is 1 400 m, and you do that in just over 20 km. By the time you have reached half way you would have only done 280 m, and the border post is at 1 968 m above sea level.”
He says this is definitely a race for the hardened and the brave.
“I am happy I finally got a chance to do this crazy marathon. It has been on my bucket list for over eight years, and looks like it is going to be my annual ritual. It was very tough and I was surprised that I finished in tenth place overall, and took position 1 in my category.”
- To end off the year, on Sunday, 26 November, a group of Welkom runners took part in the Tough One Marathon, starting and finishing at the Randburg Sports Centre.
- The Welkom runners who took part were Abe Nkomo (2:12), Nkhetheni Masupa (2:13), Brian Ntsodi (3:44), Mantsali Mokoebetane (3:44), Thoko Nyalani (4:27) and Rabelani Masupa (4:27). Masupa and Nkomo both received gold medals.
- To end off the year, on Sunday, 26 November, a group of Welkom runners took part in the Tough One Marathon, starting and finishing at the Randburg Sports Centre.
The Welkom runners who took part were Abe Nkomo (2:12), Nkhetheni Masupa (2:13), Brian Ntsodi (3:44), Mantsali Mokoebetane (3:44), Thoko Nyalani (4:27) and Rabelani Masupa (4:27). Masupa and Nkomo both received gold medals.
