LISWATI CONQUERS US MARATHON

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.

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