Duduza club to host Comrades qualifier  

The Mamepe Striders are excited about hosting the inaugural MNS Attorneys Carnival City Marathon at the Carnival City sports grounds on May 1.

After successfully hosting the annual Duduza Community Race, which included 16km and 32km events, in the past two years, the club will host its first 42.2km distance since it was established in 2019.

“This will be our third official race. The longest distance in the first race in 2023 was 16km and we went up to 32km the next year.

“We certainly aimed to grow and bring a different dimension each year as we gain experience,” said chairperson Thabo Moorosi.

The event has already garnered enormous interest from celebrated Comrades ‘bus drivers’ (guides for runners aiming to achieve specific times), with Buks van Heerden and Shahieda ‘Makhi’ Thungo, announced as ambassadors.

Being a Comrades Marathon qualifying event, the race will probably see a huge attendance. Moorosi is chuffed because they will fulfil the biggest mission and vision of the club.

“We are excited that we are on the verge of delivering on the biggest mission and vision of the club – to bring a Comrades Marathon qualifier to our doorstep.”

Mamepe’s partnership with Carnival City came about after the club hosted its Comrades gala dinner at the casino in August and because of Carnival City GM, Bryan O’Connor’s interest in the Comrades.

“Carnival City always had an interest to host the runners because they previously hosted a race, the parkrun on Saturdays, and an annual night trail run,” Moorosi said.

The marathon is a double-lapper that will take runners across the Brakpan suburbs of Minnebron, Denneoord, Dalview and Dalpark.

The race includes a half-marathon, 10km and 5km family fun run.

Moorosi said this marathon, being one of the last two races just before the Comrades, makes it very attractive because it has a fast and flat route.

It is also cheaper, as runners from the far East Rand areas have a marathon closer to home, which is also central and runs along the N17.

“The route was carefully chosen and we are certain the runners will enjoy the experience.”

The marathon and half-marathon start at 06:30 while the 10km and 5km follow at 06:45. To register, go to www.peaktiming.co.za. For enquiries, contact Moorosi on 065 932 9095 or Arther Selowa on 079 531 0298.