The Durban University Technology (DUT) Sport Administration Unit hosted a Carbo-Loading Luncheon on 02 June 2023 at the Sport centre, Steve Biko campus. The event was held for staff and students that will be running the Comrades marathon.
In his welcoming address, Mr Bongani Yengwa, Sport Administration Manager, said the unit is proud to host such an event with many staff and students are participating in the world’s largest marathon.
Sharing some of his experience running previous marathons was Mr Gcina Msibi, who said that his first 1st marathon was the Mandela Marathon which was run in 2019. He relayed that last year he participated in the Comrades marathon, finishing in a time of 3hrs 55 minutes.
“In 2020 and 2021 I did not run because of COVID-19 but this year I’m aiming at breaking my own record time,” said Msibi.
He advised runners to eat healthy food and prohibited runners from trying new foods on race day to avoid diarrhoea and dehydration.
Also, giving his encouragement to runners was Dr David Mohale, Director- Special Projects office of the Vice-Chancellor, he also advised on the role of nutrition, and he suggested all runners must have a joint session with the coaches.
The second guest speaker was Bonginkosi Zwane from Newcastle who is known for his marathon achievements. “I won the Heroes Marathon, obtained first place in 2017, two times champion 2018 and 2019 of Goos & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon, 2021 Umgeni Water marathon, first place, 2020 Durban International Marathon first place and lastly 2020 South African Marathon where I came third,”, he said.
He gave runners some tips on race preparations. He shared his journey as a runner and his audacious plan of running. “It is important to stick to your race plan, strategy and pace on the day,” he alluded.
Comrades Marathon runner, Mr Mahlomula from KwaNdengezi shared his journey and experiences as a professional runner.
“I started running for Maritzburg city, Scottsburg Marathon and in 2017 I started comrade’s marathon where I got position 13.
In 2019, he got position four in the Comrades marathon, and he was selected to represent the country in Nigeria at the African Championships. “Last year I did not participate because I was in Germany racing for 100km”, he alluded.
Mahlomula urged runners to be disciplined, respect each other, and make sure that the mix boosters.
Mpumelelo Shangase, the project manager thanked everyone who availed themselves, DUT staff and from both campuses (Durban and Midlands Campus), including the DVC: People and Operations, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa.
Thanking the speakers, he wished all the participating runners well as they fly the DUT flag high. “To all the DUT community, let’s go out in numbers to support our runners,” said Mpumelelo.
In his closing remarks, Mr Yengwa said that he hopes that all the speakers had inspired the runners to do their absolute best on race day. “Good luck to all the runners, we are rallying behind you,” said Yengwa.
Pictured:
sinethemba Nook
