The annual Fortress Running Series aims to introduce children to athletics

This development series was initiated in 2018, with its inaugural race in Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape.  

The Telle Bridge race marked the beginning of an annual tradition, which has now expanded to include four legs, proudly hosted in Thohoyandou this year, showcasing the remarkable growth and popularity of the series.  

Morake, a celebrated figure from yesteryears, secured a fourth-place finish at the Comrades Marathon in 1991, amassing an impressive collection of four Two Oceans gold medals. Through his extensive involvement with Open Athletics Clubs across the country, Morake played a pivotal role in the establishment of the renowned Fortress Running Series.

Collaborating with his partners, 1996 Olympics silver medalist, Hazekiel Sepeng and highly-respected athletics administrator, Dora Mngweru, embarked on a mission to bring this exhilarating event to various corners of the country. The series encompasses three distances, 5km, 10km, and 21.1km. The inaugural race of the series is set to take place at the Venda Plaza in Limpopo on the 16th of July.  

The second race will be hosted at the Evaton Mall in Gauteng on the 20th of August, followed by Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape on 8 October. The journey will culminate with the last leg of the race at Flamwood Walk in Klerksdorp, North West Province, on the 19th of November.

 “I was inspired by a deep desire to impart the passion for running with the children in my hometown of Sterkspruit. It led us to the decision of bringing the races directly to the local communities. We wanted to provide an opportunity for children aged 12 and younger to participate in the 5km race free of charge. The primary aim of this series is to nurture the stars of tomorrow. We are honoured to have top Comrades runners, including champion Tate Dijana, Edward Mothibi, and Rufus Photo join us to motivate the participants. We offer prizes and medals, but our ultimate goal is to collaborate with teachers, raise the popularity of the series, and create abundant opportunities for these young runners,” Morake told SABC Sport.

One week prior to each race, entry forms can be obtained at the designated shopping centres. Entry fees are as follows: R60 for the 5km race, R100 for the 10km race, and R150 for the 21.1km race. It’s worth noting that children under the age of 12 can participate free of charge.  The routes have been measured and certified by a qualified route measurer.

“South Africa possesses an incredible wealth of talent. During my running career, numerous clubs played a pivotal role in supporting and offering opportunities. The running landscape has evolved, and it is now our responsibility as former athletes to introduce the sport to the upcoming generation,” added 65-year-old Morake.