POLOKWANE – Since his early teenage years, Emmanuel Ramohlale (30) from Nobody Ga-Mothapo has been dedicated to running, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Originally from Makotopong, he is a self-made coach who trains and competes without a partner. “Working alone keeps me focused. It has helped me stay determined and win various marathons over the years,” he said.
Last year, Ramohlale competed in short- and long-distance races, excelling in major events. He secured first place in the Spar Shikhumba 42.2km marathon, finishing in two hours and 30 minutes. He also dominated the Magoebaskloof Plunge 42.2km, crossing the finish line in two hours and 40 minutes.
As he gets older, Ramohlale has shifted his focus to long-distance races. “I’ve developed a love for long distances. They challenge me, and they also come with bigger prize money,” he told BONUS.
Currently, he is training for the 89.9km Comrades Marathon, which he aims to compete in five years from now. Offering advice to aspiring Comrades runners, he stressed the importance of preparation.
“The marathon is a long journey, and your training must reflect that. Have a solid training plan that prepares you for each specific race,” he said. “The key to effective training is consistency. It’s better to complete four to five runs every week rather than overtrain one week and do nothing the next.”
He also highlighted the difference between short- and long-distance runners. “Short-distance runners focus on speed, while long-distance runners like myself prioritise steady endurance.”
Looking ahead, Ramohlale is excited to participate in the Mpumalanga Loskop 50km and the Mall of the North 42.2km marathons this year.
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