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Orcas Academy launch new 50km race

Writer's picture: Thathe MsimangoThathe Msimango

On Monday 27 January, Orcas Academy successfully launched the inaugural Orcas 50km Ultra-Marathon scheduled to take place on the 20th of April in Durban. The launch was attended by high profile people in the running community including former Athletics South Africa (ASA) President Aleck Skhosana, Comrades Marathon Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo and legendary runner Blanche Moila. The two lapper which caters to athletes who want to run 25km and not 50km, will start and finish at the King's Park Stadium, with R10 000 on offer for a first man and woman to cross the finish line. Orcas founder Prodigal Khumalo says the club decided to stage the event because of the good support that they have received during their annual training run.


Each year Orcas, hosts a December training run to assist athletes to prepare for the following season. The event has become a feature of the KwaZulu-Natal December calendar and has even attracted the likes of 3-time Comrades Marathon winner Bongmusa Mthembu and Comrades and Two Oceans gold medalist Nkosikhona Mhlakwana. Speaking to the media at Stella Training Field in Glenwood where the launch took place yesterday, Khumalo couldn't hide his excitement.


From left: Skhosana, Moila and Ngcobo were all in attendance to lend their support to Khumalo for the launch of the Orcas 50km. Photo Credit: Orcas Running Academy.
From left: Skhosana, Moila and Ngcobo were all in attendance to lend their support to Khumalo for the launch of the Orcas 50km. Photo Credit: Orcas Running Academy.

"I'm very happy to see this day finally happening as we launch the race. In 2018, the Orcas started hosting the training run to close the year and over the years the turnout has been good," explains Khumalo, who is a multiple Comrades gold medalist.


"Then we decided to host the event. This year we are looking at the 3 000 runners. That would make us happy. I'm quite positive we are going to see a lot of runners coming to take part in our race as it is flat and ideal for fast times. If the entries are sold out early, I will engage with the sponsors to add more. Overall I'm quite happy and looking forward to the big day."


From Left: Mncwengi, Mhlakwana and Mthembu taking part in the annual Orcas Running Academy Inanda Dam 50km training run which was the inspiration for the Orcas 50km which will take place for the first time on 20 April, 2025. Photo Credit: Orcas Running Academy.
From Left: Mncwengi, Mhlakwana and Mthembu taking part in the annual Orcas Running Academy Inanda Dam 50km training run which was the inspiration for the Orcas 50km which will take place for the first time on 20 April, 2025. Photo Credit: Orcas Running Academy.

Khumalo also confirmed that the club's commitment to unearthing talent like they done over the years, remains unchanged. He says they have scouted eight athletes including brothers Pontso and Neo Motaung, Dominic Khoza and Ayanda Gaga to name a few. The 2017 Ultra Trail Cape Town champion also welcomed sub 6 hour Comrades finisher Makwande Mngcwengi back to the club after he parted ways with the Hollywood Athletic Club. Khumalo says his role is to assist the young kids with basics of running.


"We are still committed to develop young athletes. This is why I opted to bring back Makwande because of his experience to assist all the recruited athletes and guide them throughout the season. We have many athletes that will be joining us this year from all corners of the country. The biggest challenge is still a sponsor but hopefully one day, more people will come to party to assist with the project."

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