PHOTO GALLERY: Fortress Running Series’ Venda Run -

FOR AN inaugural race, the Fortress Running Series’ Venda Run was a big success with the organisers being pleasantly surprised by the huge turn-out for their race. Former Two Oceans Marathon champion Israel Morake – the chairman of ISMO Athletics Club which organised the race – said after the event that the response they got from the people of Vhembe exceeded their expectations.

“This was really bigger than we had anticipated. The turnout was a pleasant surprise. We are truly appreciative of the support we got in Venda and we are in no doubt that the race will grow from strength to strength,” said the man who won the 56km Two Oceans back in 1992.

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The Venda Run was the opening event of the four-race Fortress Running Series that is aimed at taking proper races to underprivileged areas around the country. Now in its sixth year, the series was in Limpopo for the first time and the Venda Plaza was teeming with runners of all ages participating in the half marathon, 10km as well as 5km fun run.

The main attention was on reigning Comrades Marathon champion Tete Dijana who jogged the 21.1km while offering encouragement to others on the route as well as previous winner Edward Mothibi who took part in the 10km.

Runners excitedly followed the two on the road, excited to be running with such luminaries and many lined up to take pictures with them at the finish and Morake was delighted by the response because that is exactly what they wanted to achieve.

Fortress Running Series’ Venda Run a success — Ntate Johannes Mosehla

“Our aim is to inspire, and having these two champions as well as Ntate Johannes Mosehla (the 81-year-old Polokwane Athletic Club runner who became the oldest Comrades Marathon finisher last month) has helped us achieve that. You saw how just about everyone wanted to have a piece of these legends and to see myself and Hezekiel (Sepeng, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics 800m silver medallist), they were encouraged.”

2023 VENDA RACE A SUCCESS

The Comrades champions were themselves delighted to have been a part of the event; Dijana saying he understands the importance of giving others hope when you have reached the top because he too used to be an aspirant runner watching the successful ones.

The two Nedbank Running Club stars will, according to Morake, also be present at the other three races of the Fortress Running Series which will take place in Evaton (August 20), Sterkspurit (October 8) and Kleksdorp (November 19).