Two members of the Free State Hawks have engraved their names in the Comrades Marathon’s wall of fame by finishing the race. The pair, Col. Nteke Kakudi and Capt. Masamuel Moyana were among the hundreds who conquered the Ultimate Human Race on Sunday, 9 June.
The duo’s quest culminated in their reward of a bronze medal each on the up-run course, from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, of this year’s 97th instalment of the race.
Moyana, the mother of two, collected her 17th Comrades medal, and Kakudi her 8th.
Setting out on what would prove to be her marathon journey, Moyana took her participation in fun runs over 5 km, which had been aimed at pursuing a healthier lifestyle, to another level.
“I measured myself against those participating in 10 km races. For training, I took bus routes, getting ready to run 10 km,” explains Moyana.
“However, the turning point was seeing a towering and big-figured man finishing a marathon, one of the races organised in the Free State. He was bloodied, and it was obviously a struggle for him to finish the race, yet he did.
“It struck me that I could do better, visualising the guy’s struggle to the finishing point.
Moyana has a permanent Comrades number – awarded after completing ten of these races. She reveals she achieved success with the support of her better half, Moyana Moyana, who also has a permanent Comrades number and 14 medals.
“My spouse is a great motivator, though he no longer participates in the Comrades Marathon. The ability to adapt and keep a positive mindset has been key in my marathon journey.”
Moyana also boasts numerous Two Oceans Marathon medals.
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