Welkom Runners prepare for Comrades

Some of the Welkom Runners who took on the gruelling 63km between Odendaalsrus and Wesselbron are from the left, front: Diketso Radebe, Abe Nkomo, Tolo Moeketsi, Justice Shelile, Tshehla Serekego, Nkhetheni Masupa and Geoffrey Adams; back: Nthabiseng Tinte-Majake, Mantshadi Mokoebetane, Paulus Marumo, Hendrick Tsokodibane, Morapedi Leeuw, Part Nyareli, Tahleho Nketsi, Jacob Mothokoa, Morena Mphojane and Ncedo Mbobo.Photo: Supplied

The second group of athletes from Welkom Runners who ran the 63km stretch of gravel road between Odendaalsrus and Wesselsbron, from the left, front: Mzondi Dlamini, Matthews Msimango and Morena Motaung; back: Thabang Sekanti, Pule Leepo, Refilwe Simango, Daemane Makgathe, Mister Shabalala and Teboho Sekhotswanyane.Photo: Supplied

The Welkom Runners Club will be sending 41 of its athletes to the upcoming Comrades Ultramarathon.

This is a group of runners from different clubs in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality, started in 2014.

“The idea was to organise weekend group running sessions. Currently the group consists of 82 athletes, and 41 of us will be going to the Comrades,” says Nkhetheni Masupa, of this fast growing running club.

“Lately you might have witnessed groups of runners in the streets of Welkom. These are our fellow Welkom Runners training so hard amid this cold weather.

“We are finalising our preparations for the upcoming 90 km Comrades Marathon, which will be held on 28 August.

Masupa appeals to all motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists to take care of their surroundings and to notice the runners while preparing for the race.

“Please respect us on the road. We are going all-out to represent Welkom and the preparations are mostly done on our streets.”

Masupa says that on 10 July most of the Welkom Runners tackled the very demanding 63 km gravel road stretching from Odendaalsrus to Wesselsbron.

“We were joined by a group of top runners from Klerksdorp, who also ran the tough distance with us,” he says.