By OBAKENG MAJE
With three days to go before over 15 000 runners from all walks of life embark on the 95th edition of the Ultimate Human Race, official fuel supplier of the Comrades Marathon – Engen, has confirmed the participation of 23 of its staff members in this year’s event.
Set to take place on 9 June 2024, the 23 Engen employees are set to tackle the much-anticipated 85.91km up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
This year marks the first edition of Engen’s involvement as the official fuel supplier of the Comrades Marathon, as South Africa’s leading energy company continues to expand its growing sports sponsorship.
Engen is currently also the official fuel supplier of the Springboks and lead sponsor of ‘Get into Rugby’ in partnership with SA Rugby, as well as title sponsor of South Africa’s leading youth soccer tournament, the Engen Knockout Challenge.
The 2024 Two Oceans Marathon winner, Onalenna Khonkhobe from Sekhing village, in Taung said: “I am excited to take part in the upcoming 2024 Comrade Marathons in Durban. However, I will be a pacesetter as I did in 2022. I believe that my participation will continue to change the dynamics of racing the Comrades Marathon.
“I did not train for the race so, I will do what I did in 2022, where I bolted like a rabbit being chased by a lion from the start of the race. Many people thought I would win that race. However, that was our strategy to set the pace for my teammates. Many experts knew that relentless onslaught was not sustainable, was made to entertain those who were watching the race and also showed just what a class act I am.”
Meanwhile, confirming the exciting news ahead of race day, Engen’s Brand and Sponsorship Manager, Tsholo Tiro said having 23 Engen staff members participating in the race adds to the excitement of the brand’s involvement in the Ultimate Human Race.
“Not only is Engen the official fuel supplier of the Comrades Marathon, we are equally as excited to be having a presence in the form of our very own staff members as part of the thousands of brave runners on the day.
“With this being our first official involvement in Africa’s largest race, having our very own staff participate bodes well for our envisioned growth of the Engen Sports portfolio,” said Tiro.
She further said they wish their staff members, as well as all Comrades Marathon runners the best of luck for Sunday and they are looking forward to cheering them on from their two Engen refuel stops.
“As part of its partnership with the Comrades Marathon, Engen will provide two hydration stops for all runners on Sunday to refuel their energies enroute to the finish line.
“The Hillcrest Engen on Old Main Road will be the first stop at 31.3km for runners to refuel, before the next stop situated on the R103 Old Main Road (Angel’s Corner) at the 69.3km mark, where Engen staff and volunteers will rally all runners to the finish line,” said Tiro.
She said for exclusive behind the scenes preparations and information, fans are encouraged to follow the conversation across all Engen Sport’s digital platforms, using #ItsYourMoment.
The Guardian 