Andreas Simelane, a long-distance runner from Eswatini, has completed a gruelling 109km solo run to honour fellow runner Elizabeth 'Tsontso' Moselakgomo, who was found dead after going missing during a morning run. According to Simelane, the run was his way of paying tribute to Moselakgomo and helping bring closure to her family, particularly her eight-year-old daughter, Khumo. Moselakgomo was a dedicated and passionate runner who had participated in the Comrades Ultramarathon, a prestigious ultra-distance race.
Simelane embarked on the ultra-distance tribute after Moselakgomo's body was discovered, and he described the run as a fitting send-off for an athlete whose passion for long-distance running was unmatched. He noted that Moselakgomo was not just an ordinary runner but a Comrades Ultramarathon runner, which demonstrated her dedication to the sport. Simelane felt that a long-distance run was an appropriate way to honour her, as they shared a WhatsApp running group.
The 109km challenge came at a time when Simelane had not fully recovered from the 161km Washie Ultra Marathon, but he said a soldier must be ready for war 24/7. He faced several challenges during the run, including running through darkness while being blinded by cane haulage trucks, and dealing with rain that left his shoes soaked and caused blisters on his feet. Additionally, he ran out of refreshments along the way, affecting his energy levels and performance.
Simelane completed the challenge without a support vehicle, and after reaching Manzini, he had to hitch-hike to Mhlume. He eventually finished the run at 1am, feeling relieved and accomplished. Simelane chose to run a standard Comrades distance of 90km and added another 19km to take the total to 109km, as a tribute to Moselakgomo's dedication to the sport.
The tribute also brought attention to the safety of runners using public roads in Eswatini. Simelane emphasized the need for motorists to show greater consideration towards runners and share the road safely. He also called for visible policing and improved street lighting as possible interventions to make running routes safer.
For Simelane, the gruelling distance ultimately went beyond kilometres, exhaustion, and physical pain. It was a personal mission to honour a fellow runner and ensure that Moselakgomo's passion for the sport was remembered. The run was a testament to the bond between runners and the impact that one person can have on another.
The tribute run has been widely reported in Eswatini, with many paying tribute to Moselakgomo and praising Simelane for his dedication and perseverance. The incident has also sparked a conversation about the safety of runners in the country, with many calling for improved measures to protect them.
Key points
- Andreas Simelane completed a 109km solo run to honour Elizabeth 'Tsontso' Moselakgomo, a fellow long-distance runner found dead in Eswatini.
- The run highlighted the need for improved safety measures for runners using public roads in Eswatini.
- Moselakgomo was a dedicated and passionate runner who had participated in the Comrades Ultramarathon.
