Veteran runner Johannes Kekana urges SA marathon to challenge for continental medal

Notable in South Africa’s marathon history is Josia Thugwane, who made history as the first Black South African to secure a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

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Kekana mentored top-tier South African long-distance athletes like Desmond Mokgobu and Lucky Kekana, both of whom clinched numerous marathon titles on the local circuit.

“My guidance for marathon runners is to prioritize their passion for running over chasing financial rewards. It’s been a long since we’ve celebrated victories like Josia’s at the Olympics and my own at the All-Africa Games.’’

“We’re overdue for a medal, any shade, at significant marathon competitions. Runners should unite in training, attend camps together, and shed any apprehension towards East African competitors from Kenya and Ethiopia. It’s time we see a local runner stand atop the podium at these prestigious events,” Kekana emphasized to SABC Sport.   

The Olympic qualifying standard established by World Athletics at 2 hours, 08 minutes, and 10 seconds. Presently, Stephen Mokoka is the lone male athlete who has secured his place in Paris.

In the women’s division, both Gerda Steyn and Irvette van Zyl have achieved the qualifying time of 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 50 seconds.

Nonetheless, Kekana holds optimism that additional athletes will fill the remaining spots in the coming months, striving for a complete team of six runners to represent South Africa at the Paris Games.