Conquering the Comrades Marathon: Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Triumph
Celebrating the victorious finishers of Comrades Marathon 2023!
Welcome To Our Monthly Newsletter Recap,
We are delighted to bring you the captivating stories of 25 remarkable individuals who triumphed in this year's grueling Comrades Marathon. These dedicated athletes showcased extraordinary determination, resilience, and passion as they crossed the finish line, leaving us in awe of their incredible journeys.
Interviewing each of the novice runners, we delved deep into their motivations and feelings leading up to the Comrades Marathon. Here are their insightful responses:
Califonia Muungadi: A Story of Empowerment
“I started running in 2019 with the goal of keeping fit and have found motivation in being part of the inspiring community of women in sports. My drive to achieve my goals and tick items off my bucket list is a powerful motivator to get up and hit the road every day. I am feeling anxious, excited and nervous towards the comrades and I will be very happy if I can make the sub 10”
Ashley Adams: Running as Therapy and Personal Growth
"Embarking on my journey with the glorious sport of running in 2019, I discovered that my pain and struggles could be transformed into motivation. Running became my therapy, a source of healing, and a means to build my feisty and confident persona. As the Comrades Marathon approaches, I find myself filled with excitement and unwavering confidence. My sole expectation and goal for this race is to cross that finish line triumphantly."
Makgafela Tleane: Fulfilling a Promise and Pushing Limits
"What fuels my drive to lace up my running shoes every day is the commitment I made to myself back in 2007: to participate in the Comrades Marathon at least once in my lifetime. The thought of fulfilling that promise fills me with immense excitement. However, I can't deny a lingering worry about my readiness for the race. Despite any concerns, my ultimate goal remains unchanged: to push my limits and cross the finish line within the designated cutoff time.
Joyce Lekalakala: Inspiring Others and Embracing Challenges
"My running journey began during high school, but it wasn't until my enrollment in RunAlex in 2018 that I truly embraced it wholeheartedly. The unwavering support of my teammates and the love I have for my girls serve as constant motivation. I strive to set a positive example for them, demonstrating that with dedication, perseverance, and belief, no goal is beyond reach. As the Comrades Marathon approaches, I find myself caught between nervousness and happiness. I'm nervous about the enormity of the challenge yet overjoyed at the opportunity to tackle such a significant milestone in my life."
All RAAC 2023 Comrades Marathon Profiles - Run Alex YouTube
These inspiring responses from the novice runners reveal their unique blend of motivation, determination, and excitement as they approach the Comrades Marathon. Their stories epitomize the transformative power of running and the profound impact it has had on their lives. From personal healing and building confidence to setting examples for others and embracing challenges, these individuals embody resilience and the pursuit of reaching new heights. As we eagerly await race day, their stories serve as a reminder that with passion and commitment, we can conquer any obstacle and achieve the seemingly impossible.
The camaraderie and unwavering support among these novice runners highlight the true essence of the running community. Their shared goals create a bond that propels them forward. We eagerly anticipate their incredible journey and cheer them on as they strive to cross the finish line, demonstrating that dreams can become reality with unwavering determination and a willingness to embrace life's extraordinary challenges.
Following this incredible race, we had the privilege of interviewing a few of the novice runners. Their firsthand accounts of the Comrades Marathon and their overall experience provide us with captivating narratives and valuable insights into this remarkable adventure. Let's dive into their stories:
Carlifonia Muungadi: A Transformative Experience of Freedom
"The experience was absolutely out of this world. I cannot express how much I enjoyed myself during the Comrades Marathon. It felt like tasting freedom for the very first time. The atmosphere, the energy, and the sense of accomplishment were indescribable. It was a transformative experience that will forever stay with me." -
Phumelele Zulu: Overcoming Struggles and Embracing Resilience
"The marathon was a nice experience, and I genuinely enjoyed myself. However, I must admit that I encountered a bit of struggle during the first 10 kilometers. Panic set in momentarily, but I managed to quickly bounce back. It taught me the importance of resilience and adapting to overcome challenges. Once I regained my composure, I found my rhythm and embraced the rest of the race with renewed determination." -
Joyce Lekalakala: Dreams Come True, and Meaningful Accomplishments
"In the beginning, it was quite scary. However, as I comprehended the reality of running the Comrades Marathon and witnessed the immense support from the cheering crowds along the road, my heart warmed up. The experience was nothing short of amazing. It truly felt like a dream come true. I am immensely grateful to God and all the people who supported me throughout this journey. Their encouragement and belief in me made this accomplishment all the more meaningful." -
These incredible athletes serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the limitless potential of the human spirit. Their stories of courage and triumph inspire us all to chase our dreams and overcome any obstacles in our path.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all 25 individuals who completed the Comrades Marathon this year. Your unwavering dedication and spirit are truly admirable.
Run Alex Juniors Triumph in Cross-Country Challenge: Inspiring Young Athletes Show Their Mettle
Looking at the remarkable growth of our Juniors Program, it's hard to believe that it was only launched on April 27, 2021, amidst the challenges posed by Covid-19.
Juniors Day
We declared April 27 as Juniors Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the Alex Child. This year's Juniors Day was the most successful to date, with over 340 children converging at Kwabhekilanga Sports Grounds to participate in various sprint events.
Not only were the Alex Children treated to a well-organized event, but they also had the privilege of meeting most of Gomora's Stars. South Africa's #1 Telenovela partnered with Run Alex for this event, providing lunch for all participants. The presence of Gomora's stars served as a reminder to every Alex Child that their efforts are recognized and that the sky is the limit if they continue engaging in positive activities.
Cross-Country
There is something about being on the starting line. It says I am capable, It says I have an equal opportunity to claim the glory that awaits across the finish line. It says I will find out more about myself between the start and the finish line.
As a club we strive to see as many Alex children, as possible, making it to the start line. This gives them an equal opportunity with all other children - Run Alex Junior Development
See The Program 📆
Cross-country is our main competition for the winter season. Our Juniors have had the privilege of participating in all four cross-country events held in Thokoza, Tsakane, Soweto, and Daveyton. We are extremely grateful to the club for its unwavering support, which has made it possible for our Juniors to travel to all these events.
The participation numbers of our Juniors have been highly impressive, with our club being among the largest clubs to take part in cross-country events.
The cross-country season continues with three more events before the Championships.
Parental Involvement
The support of our parents has been truly encouraging. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed a significant number of parents attending events, participating in meetings, and contributing to solutions for our challenges.
This marks a significant milestone for our club, as the active engagement of parents paves the way for overcoming many of our obstacles. It's a tremendous step forward!
🎆🎇HIGHLIGHTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS🔔📣
READING PROGRAM LAUNCH
The club will be launching a reading program that will help our children get into the habit of reading. This will happen by providing a reading corner for them and making available different types of books for them to read.
We will be launching this program this coming Saturday and would like to extend this invitation to club members. We do however have limited space and would therefore request members that would like to attend and once we have reached our RSVP limit, we will close the group and take no further responses.
Launch Details
Date: 15 July 2023 (Sat) Time: 08H00
Venue: Altrec Sports Grounds, East Bank
More Details: Anelisa - +27 78 491 0201
More updates to follow…
MANDELA DAY BOOK DRIVE
Books can be dropped off during our Juniors training sessions on Saturdays and Sundays.
You can contact Anelisa or Leanne via read.alex.team@gmail.com
MEDIA & NEWS
AJE Sports
READ Ashleigh Adams Full AL Jazeera/AJE Sports Article HERE Tweet HERE by Rayn Lenora Brown
Alex News
Athletics is on the road to revival for youngsters in Alex - Full Article HERE
Juniors showcase talent in the Run Alex Athletics Club event - Full Article HERE
Run Alex Athletics Club headlines a fun run at Alex Plaza - Full Article HERE
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
Run Alex Athletics Club First Comrades Silver Medalist: Mr. Phomolo Lashilo
Post Interview at AlexFM, The Sports Avenue HERE🎙️
*All 23 Medal Profiles📹*
Over 50 Juniors participated at the Sam Ntuli Stadium Cross Country
The Junior Development Coach Ronny and Coach Nthabiseng completed the ASA/CGA Coaches Course National Level 1
For more information about Run Alex Athletics Club, please visit our website: www.runalex.co.za or send us an email at runalexac@gmail.com / info@runalex.co.za
Happy Running and Stay Safe on the Road…
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