The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, acknowledged the municipality’s runners who will be competing in the 96th Comrades Marathon on 11 June 2023. “All these runners have invested in the preparations in long hours, early morning and late-night trainings, trips to the physio and sports massages, running gears and shoes including, expensive watches and gadgets. Not to mention long hours away from their families, training endlessly.
“Sport plays a vital role in the wellbeing of the citizens of the country. As the City, we are all behind sports and sporting events, including the upcoming Netball World Cup 2023 which will be held in Cape Town in August 2023,” said Mayor Gwamanda.
This year’s route is 87.701km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, whichs is a down run that requires endurance.
Cllr Lubabalo Magwentshu, the MMC for Community Development, said: “We have four runners that will be taking part for the first time. They are Lucky Khoro and Thokozani Nkosi, both from Community Development, Vincent Hlasa from Group Corporate and Shared Services and Senku Somo from City Power.
“We also have four runners aiming for a back-to-back medal. This medal is for runners that completed their first race and are about to finish their second race in succession. The four are Oliver Khumalo (Community Development), Mpho Modjela (Health), Matome Mogoboya (Social Development), and Ndivhuwo Tshivhase (Development Planning).
“In line for the green number (a race number awarded after completing 10 Comrades Marathons unbroken) are Jacob Motsoane from JMPD, Mahlodi Ramakgapola from JRA, and Dominic Zondo from Human Capital Management.
“Wendy Mangena from Group Finance will be going for her 12th finish and is also listed as one of the official pacers (sub-10) for the race. This means she will be “a bus driver” pacing a group of runners to finish the race under 10hrs. What an achievement and honour!”
Greg Mackett is aiming for his 29th finish, Malefetsane Ramalebo going for his 19th finish and Willie du Plessis going for his 18th finish.
Vincent Seng and Charles Moloto have an “A” seeding, which means they have finished 42.2km under three hours. The two are among the city’s top marathon runners.
The Executive Director for Community Development, Vincent Campbell, and Vicky Magu, the President of Johannesburg Sports Federations, reminded runners to enjoy the race and that the only person they should compete with was themselves.
05/06/2023