Veteran runner Lebo Phalula to do it for the people of Soweto

The People’s Race is set to unfold at the renowned FNB Stadium this Sunday and offers three distinct races, namely the 42.2km, 21km, and 10km.

Having nurtured her passion for running amidst the backdrop of the Soweto Marathon since her youth, Phalula is geared up to showcase her prowess in the half-marathon, aiming to conclude her season on a triumphant note.

"I am going to run my two last races which are the ASAs on Saturday then on Sunday, Ziyakhala in Soweto, ekasi. The lovely favourite race, the Soweto Marathon. I will be doing my 21 kilometres which is gonna be my last race. Which I'm gonna be preparing for my special day in December," Phalula said.

Prior to embarking on her quest for the People’s Race, the 39-year-old athlete is set to participate in the Athletics South Africa (ASA) 10km championships, which will unfold at Mbombela Stadium this coming Saturday.

In an interview with the national broadcaster, she expressed her readiness for both races, emphasizing that she has diligently prepared to give her best in each of them.

"My preparations for the 10km, I was running short races like track and field during the first season in January, the league in Germiston and our leagues in Central Gauteng, I was more focused to racing in short races because I race in a lot of marathons.

“I was like I'm not gonna do the marathon anymore even if I was going to try to qualify for the Olympics but it's not gonna be on the marathon because it eats a lot if you are an athlete trying to qualify for a marathon."