The feeling of being back home compares to nothing, more so after battling the 90km run from one city to another under the scorching sun of the mountainous Kwa-Zulu Natal province.
Each member of the Northern Cape SAPS team who participated in the ultimate human race completed the strenuous and tiring run. Captain Tebalo Jullies from Calvinia SAPS, secured the Robert Mtshali Medal for finishing the race under ten hours. Sergeant Lerato Tshegare of Kagisho SAPS, Sergeant Pitse Sesing of Barkley West and Constable Lebogang Motshedi of Danielskuil SAPS, all secured Bronze Medals for completing the race below 11 hours. Both Colonel Koena Mokoena of Provincial Supply Chain Management and Warrant Officer Cassias Rooibaadjie of Kimberley Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit were awarded with the Finishers Medals for being able to finish the race within the maximum time limit.
The Robert Mtshali Medal was first introduced in 2019 for the runners who finished the race within ten hours. It is made of titanium and the main aim behind the medal is to honour Mr Robert Mtshali, the first unofficial African runner to participate in the Comrades Marathon in 1935. The bronze medal was first introduced into these competitions in 1972 for the runners who finished the race between 07:30 and just under eleven hours. Changes were only made in the year 2000 when the Bill Rowan medal was introduced and also in 2019 following the introduction of the Robert Mtshali medal. In total, there are nine categories of medals that are awarded at the Comrades Marathon competition.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola indicate that she is extremely proud of the performance of these avid athletes and stated that she wish all members could participate in sport as well. “We all know that a healthy body houses a healthy mind. Let us all prioritise ourselves and keep our bodies healthy.
Congratulations and thumbs up for the “Blue Machines.”