Ulindi runners bag medals in Comrades Marathon 2019 – African Reporter

Kwatsaduza – Five long-distance runners from Ulindi Athletics Club walked home with pride after the 2019 Comrades Marathon.

Also read: 38 KwaThema athletes earn medals at the Comrades Marathon

The race started at 5.30am at the City Hall in Durban and finished at 5.30pm at the Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.

Kholiwe Khoza, who ran in the 50-59 years category and finished in 11:23:26, ran her 10th marathon and was crowned with her green number, which will be her permanent running number in the marathon.

Other runners from the club who participated were:

Men’s open:

• Jeffrey Cele 7:27:15

Men 40-49 years:

• Sibusiso Sithole 8:49:09

Men 50-59 years:

• Muziwandile Thabede 11:47:16

• Mandla Jiyane 12:04:40

Meanwhile, Sandile Maleni (56) from Carnival Runners Club took a gamble with his health to be part of the ultimate race, finishing in 11:39:00 in the men’s 60+ years category.

Sandile was diagnosed with flu during the week leading up to the race.

“My doctor had recommended that I come back for a medical check-up before leaving for the race, but my work load as a teacher kept me busy and I failed to go for the check-up.

Also read: Fordyce motivates Bulithando parkrunners ahead of Comrades Marathon

“Even though I had not prepared well this year, I could not allow myself not to attend the race.

“I had to collect my ninth medal, healthy or not,” he says.

In 2018 Sandile came short of collecting his medal after arriving three minutes after the cut-off time.

Jeffrey Cele with Kholiwe Khoza holding her green number achievement.

Sandile says he started running in school and has never looked back.

“I am encouraging young runners to remain committed to sports so that one day they will participate in the Comrades Marathon too,” he says.

Sandile Maleni (56) from Carnival Runners Club took a gamble with his health after he was diagnosed with flu and walked away with his nineth medal.