By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA- Despite his ripe age ,a -66- year old Mota Mokhele who appeared number 46, under grandmaster Comrade Marathon in Durban on August 28 , says quitting running is far from over .
Mokhele who hails from Mabolelain the Eastern Free State , said there are so many benefits that come with running besides keeping his body fit.
“I am emotionally , mentally and physical healthy because of my regular exercise . I do not easily fall sick because my body is able to fight against illness,” Mokhele said this during an interview with this publication.
After running for more than 43 years , Mokhele said he has decided to plough back to his community by taking way children from the streets and recruiting into athletic.
“I have more than 20 boys whom some of them have since quit abusing drugs ,while other have torched the bullet of being involved in the criminal because running keep them busy and they always look forward to their practice. When one does nothing and idles , he ends up resorting to drugs as a coping mechanism.”
Mokhele said his participation in the comrade marathon has been made possible by executive mayor of Maluti-A- Phofung Gilbert Mokotso who paid for his travelling expenses though he could not enjoy fully because he had wanted the children he is training to be part of the marathon.
“I would like to thank all the people , business and executive mayor of Maluti a Phofung who supported me. But I could not enjoy to the fullest because the children I am training could not participate due to financial hiccups and wished our government can support our initiative.”
