Rene Kalmer excited about her return to the road

Throughout this arduous journey, she had to forego all the 10km races due to the setback. However, with unwavering determination and perseverance, she is now ready to make her comeback at the Jozi 10km race scheduled for 1 October at the Marks Park Sports Centre.  

Her supporters eagerly await her return to witness her prowess and determination once more on the racing circuit.

“The race organizers are providing a fantastic opportunity for women, not just from South Africa, but from other countries as well, enabling us to achieve fast times. This year has been rather unusual and challenging for me due to injuries, limiting my running opportunities. However, I am eagerly anticipating the Joburg race in October. Despite the setbacks, I have dedicated myself to rigorous training, and the prospect of hitting the road again fills me with excitement,” she shared enthusiastically with SABC Sport.

“The Joburg race holds a special place in my heart, as it marks the beginning of my racing journey since I was just 14 years old. Over the years, I have been fortunate to enough secure victory multiple times in this cherished event. Moreover, this race has played a pivotal role in shaping my career, propelling me to win the prestigious Grand Prix titles on three separate occasions.

Thanks to this competition, I had the opportunity to represent my country at the Olympic Games in both Beijing 20008 as a track athlete and London 2012 as a marathon runner.

I am deeply grateful to the organizers for providing me with a platform to showcase my talent throughout the years. Their support not only keeps me motivated, but also enables me to make earning a living through my passion for running.

The races throughout the year bring a sense of positivity to my life, and I eagerly anticipate the Joburg race once again as it holds so many cherished memories,” said Kalmer, who boasts a personal best time of 32 minutes and 27 seconds.

Having served as an official at the Murray & Roberts Running Club, Kalmer recently faced the unfortunate news of its dissolution due to financial constraints. With a sense of resignation, she remarked, “I am currently seeking new opportunities, and it’s disheartening that the club’s sponsorship came to an end. Life can be unpredictable and such things do happen,” said the 42-year-old.