'We help runners achieve their goals no matter how big or small' - Madoko AC celebrates Comrades finishers and elects new Exco

Having been named after one of Gauteng's most celebrated Comrades Bus Drivers, it is no surprise that the Madoko Athletics Club, enjoyed reasonable success at last month's Comrades Marathon and hosted a special function to celebrate their members that finished The Ultimate Human race. 21 of the club's total membership of 58 entered and qualified to take on the 89.98km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on June 8. Twelve finished the race to earn a medal, four finished after the 12-hour cutoff time, three did not finish and two did not start the race. 

Madoko AC athletes in action during Gauteng North's last Comrades Marathon qualifying race - the MiWay Wally Hayward Marathon on 1 May. Photo Credit: SMacPix.

Members were showered with praise for lining up and received tokens of appreciation, while specials gifts were given to the first male and female, as well as the first novice to finish The Ultimate Human Race. While some may scoff at the results of a relatively small club compared to some Gauteng-based clubs that enjoy a membership of over 1000 with over 300 participating at Comrades each year, the Madoko Athletics Club chose to recognise their achievements, explaining that the very reason for the club's existence is to take runners, like it's eponymous Madoko Ndhlovu, from couch potatoes to Comrades finishers.

"Madoko Athletics Club was founded independently in 2021," said the club's newly elected Deputy Chairperson Mahlomola Lebea. "It's establishment was to close the gap by forming a family club that accommodates all runners from beginners to elites and juniors. Further to that, the purpose of the club is to create a platform of assisting people to develop and sustain a healthy lifestyle with access to guided programmes and group trainings sessions according to their fitness level," he told #TheTopRunner.

Madoko AC runners at the Comrades Marathon Expo. Photo Credit: Supplied.

The post-Comrades celebration, which doubled as the Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) club's Annual General Meeting, took place on Saturday 28 June at the elegant Bentley's Country Lodge where the all important position of club chairperson saw former treasurer Luba Mbele being elected as chairperson and former chairperson Lebea being elected to deputise him. On making his first address after being elected, Luba thanked the members for showing confidence in him, and asked that they work together to ensure the growth and advancement of the club.

Madoko AC athletes pictured during their post-Comrades celebration and AGM. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"The number one goal of the new Exco is increasing membership and ensuring consistent club participation in activities on the running calendar. The sustenance and growth of the club will be based on a system of identifying, empowering and sustaining runners in our system to help them achieve their fitness goals regardless of how big or small those goals are."