The race to finding out just who will be crowned “fastest feet” at this year’s Pirates 21K Powered by Medshield is still on, and it’s about to get a lot more interesting.
With just one weekend left to take on the challenge, three-time Comrades Marathon champion and proud Medshield Ambassador, Bong’musa Mthembu will be lacing up his trainers to show Joburg’s toughest half marathon just who’s boss.
Over the past three weekends, kicking off on Saturday, 6 February, participants in the Special Edition Virtual Race of the Pirates 21K have shown impressive form and even more impressive finish times, taking on the route with gusto, enthusiasm and positive attitudes despite not having large crowd support like in previous years. Several medals for going #OverTheMountain have already been handed out at the Pirates Club in Greenside after each runner’s successful race completion. But with cash prizes for best-of-the-best across 21 prizegiving categories up for grabs, it’s still anyone’s race.
When Bong’musa sets off from the starting point on Saturday, 27 February at 06:30 am, the safe “support from a distance” from the Medshield team will surely help to inspire his spirit as he pushes towards the finish line. The circular route includes three challenging hills, with the first test being a 2km uphill run, just 1km into the race. Between the 9km and 10km marks comes a second steep ascent, which is followed shortly by one final stiff climb between 13km and 14km. The downhill after that is fast and fun with one last hurdle before arriving back at Pirates Club.
Bong’musa’s result, along with all others will be made available on the Pirates 21K leaderboard at www.pirates21.co.za. Medshield congratulates all this year’s participants and medalists, and wishes all new runners the best of luck. We’re behind you all the way.