Times Of Swaziland: LISWATI CONQUERS US MARATHON

LISWATI CONQUERS US MARATHON
================================================================================
Sanele Jele on 15/10/2024 08:40:00


MBABANE – Bheki Sithole, from the Golden Foot Running Club (GFC), shared his
passion for running and dedicated E40 000 to support his love for the sport.
Sithole began his running journey during his tertiary education, initially
jogging short distances. However, everything changed when he joined GFC in 2016,
propelling him into the world of marathons and ultra-distance races. Sithole
described himself as an avid runner who had transitioned from short-distance
runs to completing over 40 marathons since he began participating in races in
2016.
“I have also participated in many local races including, Imbube Marathon,
KwaMagogo, ‘Tuff One’, and the FSRA marathon, among others. He proudly noted
that his best marathon time was 02:54:00 at the Kaapsehoop Marathon in Mbombela,
South Africa, in 2022. Furthermore, he shared that he had participated in four
Comrades Marathons, achieving a personal best of 07:03:00 in 2023.
In 2023, Sithole decided to expand his horizons by participating in
international marathons, combining his love for travel with his passion for
running. He set his sights on the Abbott World Major Marathons, starting with
the Chicago Marathon, this past Sunday.
This series includes six prestigious races held in cities such as Berlin, New
York, Boston, Tokyo, and London. Sithole recounted how he meticulously planned
and saved for this venture, purchasing an entry through Penthouse Travel, a
South African travel agency authorised to sell entries for the Abbott World
Marathon Majors.
Sithole mentioned that the package included three nights’ accommodation, while
he was responsible for booking his flights and handling his visa application.
Although he had travelled to the United States of America (USA) before, this
trip marked his first visit to Chicago. He expressed excitement about the
experience of racing in a different continent and adjusting to a new time zone.
On race day, Sithole found himself immersed in a vibrant atmosphere, surrounded
by over 50 000 participants from around the globe. He met runners from countries
like China, Australia, Germany, Canada and Mexico, while fellow African runners
hailed from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa. The race was exceptionally
organised, and Sithole praised the support from both local authorities and
enthusiastic citizens who lined the streets to cheer for the runners.
He vividly described the scenic route that wound through various suburbs of
Chicago, often finding himself captivated by the city’s beauty rather than
solely focusing on the run. Among the diverse participants, he noted the
presence of runners living with disabilities.
Crossing the finish line was a euphoric moment for Sithole, as he experienced
the electrifying cheers of the crowd and the celebratory atmosphere, complete
with a red carpet finish. He reflected on the race as a world-class event and
encouraged anyone with the means to participate to add it to their bucket list.
Despite not achieving a personal record, finishing in 03:05:00, he was content
to have enjoyed the scenery throughout the race.
Looking ahead, Sithole shared his plans to run the Berlin Marathon in 2025 and
continue participating in the remaining marathon majors over the subsequent
years. He expressed his determination to complete all six majors, which would
earn him a special medal and a place on a wall of finishers, a testament to his
dedication and love for the sport.