Siphelele Nketo
RUNNERS had to test their physical and mental stamina when they participated in last Saturday’s Kosmos 3-in-1 race, a 73.3km road race in Secunda, Mpumalanga.
The runners were required to complete three separate road races, a 42.2km, 21.1km and 10km within 24 hours.
Local runners from the EmaXesibeni-based XJ Athletics Club participated in the race, often described as the most brutal test of endurance. The club’s spokesperson Bonginkosi Mbotshwa explained that 25 athletes from the club participated as they geared up for the upcoming Comrades Marathon, scheduled for June 14.
“Runners participated in the 3-in-1 race for a variety of reasons such as to qualify for the Comrades Marathon or improve their speed,” he said.
One of the XJ Athletics Club runners that participated in the 3-in-1 race was Nomampondomise Sodinga who said that the marathon was extremely good for elite runners and for those who were training for the Comrades Marathon.
“The 3-in-1 marathon was challenging. I only managed to run 52km due to fatigue, but next year, I aim to complete the entire kilometres set out for runners,” she said. Sodinga appealed to people to come and join the club for psychological and physical wellbeing.
