Mokgobu happy to be back in Mandela 10km race
Following the launch of the Nelson Mandela Remembrance Walk &Run at the Sanctuary Mandela Houghton Estate on Wednesday, runners are set to take to the road.
Former 10km winner, Desmond Mokgobu, expressed how it felt to be back and to take part in the event. “I was on off-season, so it feels good to be back. Mandela is a global icon and I feel good that I will be participating in this event again because we had no freedom to run due to the Covid-19,” said Mokgobu.
Mokgobu stressed the importance of the event, saying that it could be a major roleplayer in curbing the use of drugs in communities. “The event will help take kids off the streets and away from drugs. This is also a kids’ event, so since it is December, families will be gathered and the kids will have fun on that day,” he said.
CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation Sello Hatang emphasised the importance of the event, saying it is about bringing back hope to the people.
“For us this walk is to try and deliver hope to those who need it, as you know we work for an ancestor of hope being Madiba – and we cannot do anything but make sure that as we walk, we walk with purpose, in a sense that the future will be better than what we have today.”
Mokgobu said: “I am a pro runner, so I am always ready to be on the track. I will defend my title and I am confident that I will come out on top again.”
The annual event is set to take place on 11 December outside the Union Buildings in Tshwane. Entries are now open.