Melusi Yellow Epilepsy champ
MBABANE – Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (EUDF) athlete, Melusi Khumalo, emerged as the champion of the Yellow Epilepsy Charity Half Marathon, crossing the line in 1:11:42hrs.
The highly anticipated fifth edition of the Yellow Epilepsy Charity Half Marathon, which attracted over 500 participants, an improved tally from the fourth edition, commenced with the 21km runners. They faced a moderately challenging route with minor obstacles reported by the athletes.
The main event, which started from Somhlolo, Lobamba, proceeded towards Mahlanya, where the athletes made a detour onto the pro-base road leading to Lozitha, before following the route to Elangeni.
UPHILL
Khumalo, who usually participated in the 10km race, expressed his satisfaction with the route and the availability of water stations, but noted the unexpected uphill sections that posed a challenge.
He emphasised the need for a coach at UEDF to tailor trainings according to individual strengths, highlighting the importance of collective training and coaching sessions for overall improvement..
“It was my first time running the 21km. What I emphasise is that we all come back and train together, where we will have access to coaching and ultimately improve individually and as a team,” Khumalo said.
Meanwhile, in the ladies category, Thobile Ngwenyama representing Correctional emerged victorious, with Nokuphiwa Zwane from Swazi Slojos securing the second position.
Ngwenyama, described the race as challenging, but expressed her enjoyment of the experience, highlighting the need for flat terrain training and endurance due to the route’s varying surfaces. She attributed her victory to experience and strategic calculations during the race, particularly on the gravel sections.
CHALLENGING
“The race was quite challenging, I tried my best; I ran well with my opponent, who came second as we were motivating each other along the route. I think what propelled me to victory was more experience than anything else. It was tricky running on both gravel and tar; on the gravel I maintained my speed,” Ngwenyama said.
The charity event was graced by the presence of Sandleni Member of Parliament (MP) and Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, who commended the participants for the support.
“I’d like to thank all the participants for taking part in the charity event; I have seen them running, which highlights some of the success of the event. I’d also like to thank the Epilepsy Organisation and AE for organising such an event. What we’ve noted is that by being active or taking part in such initiatives provides an appropriate remedy in fighting these Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s), which include epilepsy,” Nzima said.