Chris Hani District's leading long-distance runner and reigning Buffs Marathon champion Mcoseleli Luyaba is gearing up for one of the most challenging marathons in South Africa, the Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers ultramarathon in Gqeberha on Sunday, February 26.
After an inspiring year in 2022, winning the Buffs Marathon in East London and participating for the first time in the Total Sport Two Oceans Ultra Marathon and Comrades Marathon, the 40-year-old Luyaba received a special invitation. The special invitation means that Luyaba got free entry into the marathon with free hotel accommodation and transport.
Luyaba said that he was honored to be invited to partake in the event.
“We worked very hard with my coach for this recognition, which means a lot to me. I am glad that whatever I worked hard for is paying off now, and I am also grateful to my family for the support they always give me during my preparations for these marathons,” he said.
Luyaba finished the Total Sport Two Oceans Marathon in 62nd position, with a time of 03:43:26 while finishing Comrades Marathon with a time of 06:31:40 and achieving his personal goal of getting a silver. The 40-year-old Luyaba said he is ready for the Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers ultramarathon which will be hosted by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in partnership with title sponsors, Nedbank.
Luyaba finished the Total Sport Two Oceans Marathon in the 62nd position, with a time of 03:43:26. The Comrades Marathon he completed with a time of 06:31:40, achieving his personal goal of getting a silver.
The athlete said he is ready for the Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers ultramarathon, which the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will host in partnership with title sponsors Nedbank.
“I had two months to prepare for this race, and I am ready to take on some of the best runners in the country. I was wearing size 28 before I started preparing for this race in January, but now I am wearing size 26, which suits my preparations. I am looking forward to putting on a good show in Gqeberha," he said.