Athletes flock to participate in Makhuduthamaga Mayor’s Marathon
Jane Furse – Hundreds of athletes from various parts of Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) and beyond, have on Saturday 21 September flocked to Jane Furse Artificial Pitch to participate in the inaugural annual Makhuduthamaga Mayor’s Marathon, despite the cloudy and freezing weather.
This year’s marathon was organised by the local municipality in partnership with Makhuduthamaga Athletics Club and is registered on the Limpopo Athletics (LIMA) annual event calendar.
According to the municipality, the sporting activity was organized with hopes to discover talent, develop local athletes and support registered athletic clubs operating within jurisdiction of the Makhuduthamaga Municipality.
The race commenced with the declaration and blowing of the whistle by MLM Mayor, Cllr Masekwele Merah Mahlase at 6:30 at the Jane Furse Artificial Pitch’s main entrance. Mayor Mahlase had also joined runners in a 5-km race.
The participants raced for a prize share split of R43 000-00 and medals, taking part in four races that included a 5-kilometer fun run, a 10-kilometer marathon, a 21-kilometer marathon and a 42-kilometer challenge respectively.
Professional athletes from across the province of Limpopo also registered and participated in the marathon, along with community leaders, notably Makhuduthamaga Municipal Manager Ronald Moganedi, and MLM Ward 31 Councillor Lehlagare Modige who both participated in a 42-km race, as well as MLM Ward 19 Councillor Dineo Moshabane who ran in a 5-km race.
After the running activities, a prize-giving ceremony was held led by the Mayor Mahlase, MLM Speaker, Cllr Judy Nkgadima and Municipal Manager Ronald Moganedi, marked conclusion of the event.
Winners of the 42-km male marathon were announced as follows: Frans Thabana Phetla from Masha Village, Kgolane Ignicious Mmushi also from Masha Village and Thabiso Tlhamosing Madigage also hailing from Masha Village.
The 42-km female top three were Geneva Raphahla from Moletjie Village, Tabitha Tsatsa from Gauteng and Monicca Itumeleng Legodi from Zebediela.
Winners of the 21-km male category were Tebogo Pulusa from Maphopha Village, Matshwenyego Matemane from Moretsele Village and Pekwe Boshielo from Phokwane Village.
The 21-km female winners were Maduana Ramashego from Magolego Village, Rokunda Ragimana from Venda in Tshilamba Village and Masekoele Mamoepa from Marishane Village.
The 10-km top three male winners were announced as Adam Thobejane from Moroke Village, Desmond Ntsebe Tolamo from Marishane Village and Johny Mogagna form Phokwane Village.
Top 3 female 10-km winners were Boitumelo Mashianoke from Ga-Moloi Village, Mahlatse Mildred Modila from Mamone Village and Reyabetswe Kubjane from Auckland Park in Gauteng.
The ceremony was also witnessed by representatives from Sekhukhune Development Agency (SDA), Makhuduthamaga Athletics Club, Ben Choeu Athletics Club, Limpopo Athletics, Finish Time, Makhuduthamaga Sports Federation, and South African Red Cross Society (SARCS).
Mayor Mahlase congratulated all participants who finished the race with perseverance, especially the 2024 top 3 winners in all categories.
The municipality said it will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to build and grow the marathon further.
