Five runners from the Welkom Runners marathon club took part in the annual Kijima Kosmos 3-in-1 Marathon on Saturday (11/03) in Secunda, Mpumalanga.

This event is famous and special for runners where their athletic ability is tested on one of the fiercest ultra-marathon circuits.

The Kosmos 3-in-1 is a unique 73.3 km race, which takes place at Lake Umuzi in Secunda. It is broken down into three races. They are the 42.2 km race, which starts at 06:00. The runners then again gather to take part in the 21.1 km race, which starts at 13:00. Finally, they then line up again at 17:00 to take part in the 10 km race.

“Athletes can also build their own distance during the course of the day,” says Nkhetheni Masupa of Welkom Runners.

• The five Welkom athletes were among the more than 2 000 athletes to enjoy this feast of running. Their times and distances over the course of the day were: Nkhetheni Masupa – 42.2 km (02:47), 21 km (01:33), and 10 km (0:44). This performance placed him at eighth position;) Jacob Mothokoa – 42.2 km (03:25), 21 km (02:53), and 10 km (0:57). His overall Position was 71st;) Mbangiso Malindi: 42.2 km (04:12), 21 km (02:38), and 10 km (01:22) with an overall position of 498th;) Abe Nkomo – 42.2 km (02:57) and 10 km (0:44); and) Mantsali Mokoebetane – 42.2 km (04:33).