Hero’s welcome for Two Oceans duo
Local runners Dumisa Kinqana and Vuyisani Nobi were met with a hero’s welcome when they returned from the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town last week.
The ultra-marathon debutantes won bronze medals, finishing the 56km run in 05:02:16 and 04:18:42 respectively.
Upon entering Kenton, the duo were met by a large crowd who cheered them on and embraced them excitedly.
They were then driven through the streets on the back of a bakkie, waving and showing off the medals they brought back.
While being driven to their homes, more proud supporters joined in on the parade, congratulating and welcoming the two runners back.
“I am so overwhelmed by the support I see here today and the joy amongst you.
“I share the same excitement with everyone here and thank you for showing up to welcome us back from our Cape Town trip,” Nobi said.
“We’ve brought back these medals with the hope that we inspire many others in the community and our peers can follow suit. Thank you so much.”
Kinqana added that they hoped to encourage future runners in their community.
“I want to encourage everyone here today that it is possible to do the same.
“There is so much many of you can achieve and discipline will take you far in
your aspirations,” he said. “You must put effort into the things you want to achieve.
“Every child in Kenton can do it, all of us have the ability to shine and show off our abilities,” Kinqana said.
The duo are now setting their sights on the next Two Oceans, which they believe they will be much better prepared for.
Kinqana said: “The race wasn’t as hard as we thought because we were told that the race consists of two halves, the first half being 28km which was flat, then the second half had hills.
“We had to hold back until the second half.
“We could’ve ran better times if we knew the route, but next year we will go into the race knowing very well what to expect.”
The duo expressed gratitude to the various businesses that assisted them with their trip to Cape Town, such as Connerstone, Father & Son, Poshshop, Kenton Garage, Beachways and many other individuals residing in Ekuphumleni who helped ensure they had a successful trip.