Good Luck to Team UKZN!

BY: .

A team of dedicated long-distance runners, who moonlight as UKZN staff and students, will run in the 2016 Comrades Marathon on Sunday.

The University wishes them well as they tackle the gruelling race - all staff, students and friends of the University are invited to cheer on our intrepid runners. 

Director of Communications at UKZN and novice Comrades runner, Ms Thembekile Simelane, said Team UKZN would be made up of 11 runners, including first timers as well as veteran competitors such as Mr Tony Singarum of Corporate Governance on the Westville Campus,who is competing in his 22^nd Comrades. 

Other UKZN staff, students and alumni will run under their own club colours. 

Looking in superb running condition, Simelane said it was a thrill to be competing in her first Comrades. ‘I am nervous, excited, anxious and determined - all at the same time.’

Judging on physical condition alone, all indications are that Simelane will make it over the finish line in good time on race day!

Singarum, whose best time is 7hr 59min, said he had been hampered by injuries in his last two Comrades Marathons but was ‘feeling 100%’ for Sunday’s race. ‘For me this year is all about finishing between 11 and 12 hours. I need to be realistic after my injuries and the amount of training I have managed.’

Mr Rendani Mudau of the Sports Office on the Pietermaritzburg campus is running his 14th marathon. 'Running is a big part of my life and something I really enjoy.  Being a member of the UKZN team really adds to the fun.'

The Corporate Relations Division will host a water point at Station 29 on Old Main Road in Botha’s Hill. The station will include refreshments and a sports massage, courtesy of UKZN Physiotherapy and Sports Science students for all Comrades runners.

The UKZN Foundation has registered with Back-a-Buddy, a crowd-funding platform. All funds raised will be channelled via the UKZN Foundation to the Student Funding Centre to support underprivileged students. UKZN’s Mr Mandlenkosi Mdhuli has dedicated his run to raising funds for students’ fees.

To get involved contact the UKZN Foundation’s Monde Mjebeza at mjebezam@ukzn.ac.za about joining the Champions with Passion for Student Support.  Visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/charity/profile/university-kzn-foundation for more information on contributing to this worthy cause.

Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer and Greg Dardagan