Exceptional athletes tackle Two Oceans

IPELENG KHUNOU and Tumelo Mokobane are unlikely to be on the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon finish podium later today – or anywhere near it – but both are champions in their own right, and will be running today with more purpose and determination than the majority of the 27 000 in the ultra-marathon and half-marathon races.

31-year-old Khunou

from Rustenberg in the North West Province, was born with Speto Optic Dysplasia – a brain deformity resulting in complete loss of balance. Twelve years ago, Ipeling was overweight, at 120kg and he decided to change his life by taking up running.

Khunou has been inspirational in his home town, but wants to contribute further and will be running his first Two Oceans Half Marathon today for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

Khunou has completed several half marathons but this will be his first in Cape Town.

“I’m really excited about this,” he said. “What makes it special is that I’m going to be raising money for the Fund.

“A lot of people tell me that I am an inspirational person because I run on crutches... Now I have a purpose, and I am driven to finish with a medal. I can’t let the children down.”

Running with crutches comes with it’s own challenges and is highly taxing on body and mind. “The impact is one of biggest challenges,” explained Khunou. “Often it’s your shoulders that take the beating. But I’m looking forward to the race and I’m determined to finish!”

Mokobane is another running for a cause today, but unlike others tackling the 56km ultra, the race will seem small fry in comparison with what the Johannesburg runner has just completed.

For the past two weeks, Mokobane has been running from Johannesburg to Cape Town, on a menu of 100km every day for 15 days, starting out on14th March. He arrived in Cape Town yesterday, shortly before tackling the Ultra.

Mokobane has been working in partnership with Bula Mahlo And Ubuhle Bezwe homes, raising money through his physical efforts. – Stephen Granger

● Race coverage, see Sunday Argus and www.iol.co.za