ALL roads will lead to the country’s second-largest township tomorrow for what could prove to be a milestone event.
Mdantsane is a sprawling and lively part of the greater Buffalo City and offers a unique roadrunning experience with a combination of testing hills and the warmth of the people on the side of road offering encouragement to all who pass by.
Many great runners have emerged from the streets of this community, but arguably none greater than the late Mzwandile Shube, once the South African Junior champion over distances from 10km to the half-marathon.
Another icon is, of course, one of the most loved runners, Makaya Masumpa, who would in turn offer homage to the likes of Thembinkozi Bishop, Phillip Quvana, Mpumezi Bomvana, Bassie Mbenya and other top athletes.
On Sunday, the Mdantsane 10km and 5km runs take place and it would be fitting if more such stars emerge, not least among the women.
Organising club Real Gijimas supplied pioneers in this field with Lizbet Ntonzini showing the way, followed by Ncumiza Mcata, Maureen Dladla and Buzelwa Mnyanda in the years that followed.
Many of the characters of local running have come from Mdantsane and they have given a great deal of life and energy to roadrunning at all levels.
At the 7am start will be the toast of local running in both men’s and women’s events, with Lusapho April and Hanlie Botha expected to confirm their top billing.
Gijimas will be looking to their own star, Mzukizi Kebeni, to put up some resistance, given his third place at the Discovery Surfers this year, while Zingisile Marikeni of Nedbank is always a good banker.
Nkosinathi Nzingo and Luthando Hejana are two more men to keep an eye on, while runners from out of the province could well surprise the locals.
Being a 10km run any number of junior runners could launch themselves onto the formal road running scene.
The 5km run is largely for children and it is hoped the schools will be out in vast numbers.
All runners will receive a quality commemorative T-shirt.
Entry is R25 and available at sports shops and at the start.
Road warriors fired up for big Mdantsane race
Mdantsane is a sprawling and lively part of the greater Buffalo City and offers a unique roadrunning experience with a combination of testing hills and the warmth of the people on the side of road offering encouragement to all who pass by.
Many great runners have emerged from the streets of this community, but arguably none greater than the late Mzwandile Shube, once the South African Junior champion over distances from 10km to the half-marathon.
Another icon is, of course, one of the most loved runners, Makaya Masumpa, who would in turn offer homage to the likes of Thembinkozi Bishop, Phillip Quvana, Mpumezi Bomvana, Bassie Mbenya and other top athletes.
On Sunday, the Mdantsane 10km and 5km runs take place and it would be fitting if more such stars emerge, not least among the women.
Organising club Real Gijimas supplied pioneers in this field with Lizbet Ntonzini showing the way, followed by Ncumiza Mcata, Maureen Dladla and Buzelwa Mnyanda in the years that followed.
Many of the characters of local running have come from Mdantsane and they have given a great deal of life and energy to roadrunning at all levels.
At the 7am start will be the toast of local running in both men’s and women’s events, with Lusapho April and Hanlie Botha expected to confirm their top billing.
Gijimas will be looking to their own star, Mzukizi Kebeni, to put up some resistance, given his third place at the Discovery Surfers this year, while Zingisile Marikeni of Nedbank is always a good banker.
Nkosinathi Nzingo and Luthando Hejana are two more men to keep an eye on, while runners from out of the province could well surprise the locals.
Being a 10km run any number of junior runners could launch themselves onto the formal road running scene.
The 5km run is largely for children and it is hoped the schools will be out in vast numbers.
All runners will receive a quality commemorative T-shirt.
Entry is R25 and available at sports shops and at the start.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos