Run4Cancer Ultra Marathon back on track
Jane Furse
The much-anticipated SA Run4Cancer Ultra Marathon will be returning after it was halted due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The race was officially launched by MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture in Limpopo, Nakedi Kekana, at Boiketlong Lodge in Jane Furse, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) on Tuesday 27 June 2023.
Through the launch, the department, partnered with SA Run4Cancer Organisation, intends to create awareness on cancer and benefits of early detection of the chronic illness.
The 48km marathon will take place on 28 October 2023 from Boyne to the New Peter Mokaba Stadium and will be considered a Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon qualifier.
Under this year’s slogan, #SingenaNgeVosho, MEC Kekana congratulated the SA Run4Cancer Organisation for a successful launch and committed her support of the cancer awareness run to be held in October this year. “Early detection can lead to medical assistance and ensure life”, encouraged the MEC.
She applauded different stakeholders for taking part in the launch and encouraged businesses to lend a hand in the awareness campaigns.
At the same time, MEC Kekana and SA Run4Cancer honoured the oldest Comrades Marathon finisher, Johannes Mosehla, by naming the finishers medals, the “Johannes Mosehla Medal”.
Mosehla (81), from Ga-Mogashoa Village outside Jane Furse, is the oldest participant to finish the iconic Comrades Marathon in 2023.
He broke the 34-year-old record by being the oldest person to finish the Comrades Marathon when he ran the race in June 2023.
“We are proud that the legendary Comrades Marathon runner Johannes Mosehla has been honoured here today with a medal named after him. We hope it will encourage senior citizens to also take part in active recreation for a better quality of life,” said the MEC.
SA Run4Cancer Project Manager, Khomotso Sedibe, said they were happy to reintroduce the marathon, which serves as a social-cohesion programme within the Limpopo Province.
“In previous years, the marathon has seen athletes from different parts of the country travel to Limpopo, as it further fostered relationships with the SADC Region. The race has had winners from countries such as Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia as well as Mozambique,” explained Sedibe.
The last instalment of the race saw 4286 participants taking part in the mother of all Limpopo marathons.
“We hope to attract 10 000 runners to partake in the race. The marathon will continue to attract elite runners who give it the competitive edge and social runners creating awareness and educating society about the early detection of cancer. The event will take place during Cancer Awareness Month in October,” he said.
Sedibe indicated that since its inception in 2017, the marathon has over the years grew from strength to strength cementing itself as one of the biggest in the country as well as it being a lifestyle promoter.
“This event unites individuals, families, and communities in the fight against cancer, highlighting the strength, resilience and determination of those affected by the disease,” he said.
