Kayange leaves for SA marathon
Long distance runner John Kayange left the country on Friday for Pretoria, South Africa to participate in the 50-kilometre City-to-City Marathon on September 30.
The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) athlete, whose trip has been funded by his employers, will take part in the contest following a special consideration by fellow athlete and Malawi Police Service Sub-Inspector Henry Moyo.
After winning silver during the recent 56-kilometre Two Oceans Marathon, Moyo was given a chance to identify an equally good Malawian athlete to contest in his place in the City-to-City Marathon which stretches from Pretoria to Johannesburg.
Moyo could not make it as he has to have a long rest after contesting in the recent Two Oceans Marathon and the 90-kilometre Comrades Marathon in the same country.
Kayange’s last participation in a contest in South Africa was in the 2009 Two Oceans Marathon.
“I should thank MDF for helping me with a return air ticket to South Africa. I should also express gratitude to Moyo, who has chosen me to replace him at the event. I promise to do my best,†said Kayange.
Since 2006, the 33-year-old athlete has been participating in international events including the Orange International Marathon in Mauritius where he won gold last year. The 2006 All African Games in Nigeria was his first international contest. He finished 10th.
