JOHANNESBURG – Former Comrades Marathon winner Charne Bosman will be among the elite athletes at the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run in Pretoria on Sunday, where the event will be hosting a half-marathon for the first time.
Bosman may be better known for her ability over the ultra-marathon distances but will still be chasing a podium place in her home town.
“I am glad the organisers incorporated a 21km race this year. It’s still a little short for me, but I am incorporating it into my long run training. I stay in Menlo Park, so this race is on my doorstep and I am looking to be very competitive and to give this race my best shot,” Bosman said.
“I participated in the 10km race last year and it’s an incredible event, a really special race. It is always nice to be part of an event that recognises the contribution of Nelson Mandela.”
It's only 48 hours till we make our way to the start at the Union Buildings to celebrate Tata Madiba at this year's Mandela Walk and Run! Will you be joining us to honour Nelson Mandela's legacy? #BeTheLegacy and join us! #Mandela100 #MandelaRWR @GautengSACR pic.twitter.com/eLKXMHq2tt
— Mandela Remembrance Walk & Run - 9th December 2018 (@mandelarw) December 7, 2018
In remembrance of Mandela, the walk will follow the route of his funeral cortège, starting from Kgosi Mampuru Prison through to Thaba Tswane and the Union Building.
The event will also include a five kilometre walk and 10km run.
While Bosman is more adept over the longer distances, she said she would use the half-marathon as part of her training regime.
“It’s a really nice training run and it’s rare that we get to run a race such as this through the streets of Pretoria,” Bosman said.
“Enter the race and come and have fun. It was a great experience last year, the event was really well organised and it’s a great way to end the year on the road before we all go on holiday.”
Did you get your copy of @SundaySunSA this week? Check out the article on this year's race if you missed it below! @nedbanksport @ludwickmamabolo will be joining us, as he prepares for his comeback! #Mandela100 #MandelaRWR #BeTheLegacy @GautengSACR pic.twitter.com/4JBIWTnU1G
— Mandela Remembrance Walk & Run - 9th December 2018 (@mandelarw) December 4, 2018
The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run will have some star quality in the men’s elite races with 2013 South African marathon champion Benedict Moeng and former World Student Games half-marathon silver medallist Collen Mulaudzi lining up on Sunday.
Moeng, who is also a Pretoria-based athlete, said he will be using the 10km race as part of his speed training as he targets a marathon spot for next year’s IAAF World Championships in Doha.
“It will be a pleasure to run this race in honour of Madiba, who did such great things for our country,” Moeng said.
Mulaudzi will be among the favourites in the men’s half-marathon race, which he will use as preparations for next month’s South African cross country trials.
“While it’s important preparation time for me and I will be looking to run a time of around 64-65 minutes, this event for me is about honouring Madiba’s name,” Mulaudzi said.