THE FINAL race of the four-race Fortress Running Series takes place in Klerksdorp on Sunday with the organisers planning to complete the year ‘on a bang’.

Race organiser Dorah Mngwevu the co-founder of ISMO Athletics Club says while they have had three successful races in Thohoyandou, Evaton and Sterkspruit already, the Klerksdorp event should be a ‘special one’.

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“We have had some good races this year with great support in Venda where it was the first time we took the race. Now we are looking to conclude the year with a bang out in Klerksdorp at Flamwood. We have some big names confirmed to race and we are also going to have a gala dinner the night before the race to honour the running legends from the North West Province.”

The athletes that are confirmed for Sunday’s half marathon race are the legendary Elroy Gelant who won in Evaton as well as the female winner at that race Cornelia Joubert – both of whom run in the colours of Boxer Athletic Club.

Their teammate Galdwin Mzazi who won the inaugural Chillies Athletic Club 10km race last weekend and was in the South African team that was supposed to have competed at the IAU World 50km Championships will be racing.

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Also running on Sunday will be the popular Mapaseka Makhanya of Diepkloof Athletic Club who also raced in Evaton. Galaletsang Mekgoe, the Nedbank Running Club starlet who finished fifth in the 2022 Comrades Marathon, will also toe the start line eager to make up for her failure to finish the Soweto marathon due to injury.

The legendary Matthews Temane who once ran what was a world record 60:11 half marathon which could not be ratified due to apartheid South Africa not being recognised by world athletics will also participate. As will Jan Tau, the former Soweto Marathon champion.

These two legends will also be honoured for their contribution to the sport alongside the likes of Steven Morake, Jean Verster, Adam Motlagale as well as the Mogotsi brothers – Meshack and Shadrack.

Comrades Marathon champions Edward Mothibi and tete Dijana as well as South African marathon king Stephen Mokoka are also set to be recognised at the pre-race gala dinner to be hosted at the Rio Casino Hotel.

“The winners of the half marathon and the 10km races from the previous three races have also been invited to the event so they can be honoured,” Mngwevu explained.

“This being the last event of this year’s Series, we want to make it a memorable one for everyone.”

By Matshelane Mamabolo