EXCITEMENT FLARES AS RUNNERS PREPARE FOR COMRADES MARATHON

By Lwazi September

• Significant Event: The Gauteng Department of Social Development held a special Send-Off event for runners participating in the prestigious Comrades Marathon on June 9th, highlighting the importance of employee wellness and community spirit.
• Club Involvement: The Gauteng Social Development Athletics Club (GSDAC), now in its second year of participation, is committed to expanding its membership and increasing its presence in the marathon, with plans to grow to 600 members in the next five years.
• Support and Dedication: Secretary Welile Sihewula emphasised the department’s support and the dedication required to compete in the marathon, expressing hope for additional assistance in the form of supplements, meals, and accommodation to further bolster their efforts.

Excitement filled the air as runners gathered at the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) for the Send-Off, eagerly anticipating their participation in the upcoming Comrades Marathon.

This prestigious ultramarathon, scheduled for June 9th in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, has a rich history and an esteemed reputation. The race, which spans the distance between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, is an annual highlight for the running community.

Welile Sihewula, Secretary of the Gauteng Social Development Athletics Club (GSDAC), expressed enthusiasm about the Send-Off, noting its significance as the club’s inaugural event of this kind. Sihewula commended the Department for organising the initiative, highlighting the club’s focus on employee wellness. “Employees work under stressful conditions, and the Comrades Marathon helps to alleviate that stress,” Sihewula remarked.

Now in its second year, GSDAC joined the Comrades Marathon last year in 2023. Participants in the marathon run for various reasons, including health and leisure. Sihewula emphasised the dedication required to compete in the Comrades Marathon, stating, “Being part of the Comrades Marathon means you have conquered many challenges in your life, and that’s why I am looking forward to conquering this year’s race.”

Looking ahead, GSDAC aims to expand significantly within the next five years, aspiring to grow its membership to 600 individuals, with about 30 members participating in the Comrades Marathon.

Sihewula acknowledged the support from the Department regarding transport and expressed the club’s hope for additional support in the form of supplements, meals, and accommodation. “We appreciate the support we have received from the Gauteng Department of Social Development, and we look forward to further reinforcements,” Sihewula said.