Katlego Nkwane, a 36-year-old athlete from Meyerton Athletic Club, made a sensational debut at the 2024 Comrades Marathon, crossing the finish line in an impressive 7 hours and 25 minutes to earn the coveted silver medal in the grueling 89-kilometer up run.

In an interview with Project CBNews, the elated Nkwane expressed his pride: "On the 09th of June 2024, I moved from a Comrades Marathon Novice runner to a Comrades Marathon Silver Medalist. I am proud of myself." Nkwane, who qualified for Comrades with a 2:59 finish at the Johnson Crane Marathon, credited his four-week training camp in Lesotho for preparing him to tackle the notorious hills on the course from Durban to Scottsville Race Course in Pietermaritzburg. "The race was not too bad. I was fit physically and psychologically. My training camp at Lesotho for 4 weeks helped me to run the hills in Durban," he said. The newly-minted silver medalist was quick to acknowledge the vital support system that played a key role in his achievement. "I'm grateful for that. I had people who actually were willing to help me," Nkwane stated, thanking his wife Lesego Nkwane, sponsor Mr. Kgothatso Meka, training partner William Mokwalakwala, his club mates, and the wider community for their contributions.

Nkwane recounted the emotional moments after his finish: "You relive the moments where you sacrificed time with your family, friends, all the 3 am morning wake-ups for long runs and jogs. The sacrifices and support from people who wanted to see you succeed - you relive that moment and it's very emotional."

With the 2024 silver medal now secured, the driven athlete already has his sights set on an even bigger prize - the prestigious Comrades green jacket for sub-7 hour finishers. "What is next is for me to get a gold medal. I'm going back next year to get my back to back medal. But I'm also so hungry for that gold. It is doable, it's within my reach," Nkwane stated confidently.

The humble runner encouraged the local youth to get involved in athletics and sports from a young age. "If young people want to have more energy, they need to go out and be active, be involved in sports and athletics... Start now, don't procrastinate. Do it now when God has given you time and energy - use it wisely!"

As Meyerton celebrates Nkwane's remarkable Comrades achievement, the compelling journey of this determined athlete promises even greater glory on the road ahead.