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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter
SEASONED distance runner Collen Makaza says the Soweto Marathon that is set to take place tomorrow in South Africa is an opportunity for him to prepare for next year’s season.
The marathon is the main race of the day with a strong field expected to take part. There is also a half-marathon and a 10km race on offer.
Makaza and Olivia Chitate are competing in the men’s and women’s category respectively.
His last major race was in May last year when he took part in the Nedbank 50km ultra marathon in South Africa.
The former IAU 50km World champion said tomorrow’s race is an opportunity for him to prepare for next year’s season and also a platform to assess himself since he is returning from an injury.
He is hoping to qualify for next year’s Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon.
“I am trying to come back from a knee injury. So it’s just a test to assess myself for next year’s season. I have been doing well during my preparation so l can say I am ready to compete on the 6th of November.
“I don’t have much expectations but only to qualify early for next year’s Two Oceans and Comrades marathon,” said Makaza.
His best performance at the Soweto marathon was in 2005 when he finished on position five and in 2012 he was placed seventh.
Makaza said the Soweto marathon has over the years been one of the major races he participated in and is excited to be back at this year’s edition.
“It used to be my tradition to conclude my competition season with the Soweto marathon. Since 2003 I never missed this race and it was one of the first marathon races I competed in, in the early days of my running career.
“The beauty of competing in this race is we run passing through the houses of the late African icons – Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu,” said Makaza.
Chitate is one of the seasoned female runners in the country and will also be out to give her best tomorrow.
“May preparations were okay, it’s just that I picked an injury in the last two weeks. So my target is to finish the race,” said Chitate.
Both Chitate and Makaza are registered under Mr Price Maxed Elite Club for this race.
The winners for the marathon in both the men and women’s categories will get R250 000.
Online Reporter