Eswatini ultra-runner conquers over 100km for ‘Tsontso’

MBABANE – Eswatini ultra-marathon star Andreas Simelane braved cold temperatures and continuous drizzle to complete a gruelling 109km tribute run for slain South African athlete Elizabeth Mokolo Moselakgomo.

Starting in Mhlume in eastern Eswatini and reaching his destination in Manzini around 6pm on Friday, Simelane endured the tough course to honour the late runner, affectionately known as ‘Tsontso’. Moselakgomo, a beloved runner who leaves behind an eight-year-old daughter, was tragically found dead after leaving her Kempton Park home in Gauteng Province for a routine afternoon jog.

While several Eswatini women dedicated 10km morning jogs to Moselakgomo throughout the week, Simelane took the tribute a step further, completing the longest run dedicated to ‘Tsontso’ in Eswatini so far.

Simelane is no stranger to monumental endurance feats. The history-making veteran runner recently etched his name into sports history by becoming the first liSwati athlete to complete South Africa’s legendary Washie 100 Miler. Africa’s oldest and most punishing 100-mile (161km) road race stretches from the inland highlands of Cathcart down to the East London coast, where he crossed the finish line on his debut in 25 hours, nine minutes and 41 seconds to beat the strict 26-hour cut-off mark.

His tribute run coincides with a massive outpouring of support from the broader running community, which has united in grief and solidarity to raise over R80 000 to assist Moselakgomo’s young daughter and family following her tragic death.

Explaining his decision to embark on the demanding journey despite still feeling the effects of his Washie 100 Miler effort between July 32 and August 1, Simelane felt compelled to take to the road for a fallen icon. He noted that Moselakgomo was no ordinary athlete, but a top-calibre Comrades Marathon runner, who deserved a fitting honour.

The solo expedition presented severe physical and logistical challenges. Running without a support vehicle, the veteran runner had to carry all his supplies in a backpack. When his provisions ran out mid-route, the depletion of key nutrients took a heavy toll on his energy levels and muscle recovery.

Setting off from Mhlume in the dark, he had to navigate dangerous rural roads while constantly blinded by the headlights of sugar cane haulage trucks. The elements also tested his resolve as heavy rain left him completely drenched along the way before the weather eventually cleared.

His ordeal did not end upon reaching Manzini. Stranded without direct transport back to Mhlume, Simelane was forced to hike at the The George Hotel spot. He eventually secured a ride in a truck driven by a motorist named Msibi towards Siteki, before catching further lifts from Lonhlupheko to Simunye, and finally back to Mhlume, where he arrived at 1:30 am.

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