Komani man wins gold at Amathole marathon
Seasoned local runner Nomalungisa Nomwa, 60, has returned with a gold medal after completing the 42.2km Amathole race, finishing in first place in the masters and veterans category on Sunday.
Nomwa, who runs for the Old Mutual Athletics Club in Komani, reached the finish line in five hours and fifteen minutes.
The marathon began at 6am and was set to conclude at 12pm.
According to Nomwa, the route was an uphill battle laced with downward slopes and many twists and turns. It kickstarted in Stutterheim and concluded in King William’s Town (now Qonce).
The journey proved to be grilling for Nomwa, who said it was due to the scorching heat.
But this did not make him waver as he had prepared himself in advance for the day’s challenge.
“I knew that I was going to win in my category, but I also knew it would be a tough, hilly and winding course. This was a* major marathon and I was worried. Now that it is done, I expect the rest of my upcoming races to go smoothly.”
This is the fifth race he has completed, with several more to go to reach the ten events he was set to take part in this year.
“I ran in the Queen’s College 10km fun run, the 21km marathon in Butterworth, the 10km race in Lesseyton and the 10km Longhill Challenge in Komani.
Nomwa is pleased with his performance in the aforementioned races, in which he said no other veteran had defeated him to the finish line.
He is now looking forward to competing in the 10km Gonubie Race on October 23, the 21km Bonkolo Marathon on November 5, the 21km Spar Marathon, the 21km from Maclear to Ugie on November 12 and the 21km Gonubie Challenge on November 19.
“My last race will be at the department of sports, recreation arts and culture 10km fun run in Mlungisi on November 26. I am confident that I will win all the upcoming races, they are small distances compared to the 42.2km I just ran, “Nomwa said.
He extends a word of gratitude to local doctor Lubabalo Ndaba for sponsoring his transport fare.