By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The nation’s ultra-marathon runner, Nsizwa Thwala, has proudly elevated the country’s profile at the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.
The Zithande Athletics Club Coach has bestowed upon him a permanent race number, which he will utilize when participating in the demanding 56km ultra-marathon, following his tenth participation in the event held on Saturday in Cape Town, South Africa.
Thwala achieved a remarkable finish, securing 1,301st place out of 10,769 runners from across the globe who gathered to compete in this prestigious race.
In addition, he was awarded a special medal known as the Stainbury for completing the marathon in under five hours. He crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 4:54:27 hours competing in the age category of 40 to 50 years.
“My primary goal was simply to reach the finish line; however, I aimed to make it special by completing the race in under five hours. When you achieve this feat, you earn a Stainbury medal. I now possess seven of these medals, while the other three I have earned are bronze,” he shared.
This medal marks his seventh triumph, with the additional three being bronze accolades, all obtained at the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.
“I am thrilled about my tenth race and my permanent race number; I now belong to the esteemed Blue Number group. Finishing the race in under five hours adds to my elation, especially since I was not particularly prepared for this year’s event. My decision to participate in Cape Town was quite last minute. This race is daunting, and I am incredibly proud of my accomplishment,” he remarked.
Thwala is also expected to compete in the upcoming Comrades Marathon, a grueling 90km race scheduled for June in Durban, South Africa.
He was joined by Tema Dlamini, who participated in the 21km event on Sunday, expressing her aspirations to join the 56km marathon next year.
