Anna Moeketsi positive about 2023 after winning NMB 1 City Marathon
Asked about her plans for 2023, Anna Moeketsi's bold response is enough to knock you off your feet. Where many would be happy with a top ten finish, the Murray and Roberts Running Club athlete is aiming to win one of South Africa's biggest races. And after an encouraging start to her ultra marathon career that saw her snatch a top five finish at the North West N12 50km Ultra Marathon in July, the 37-year-old believes that she is ready to go all the way at the Two Oceans Marathon.
"I started running in 1997. It was cross country," she told #TheTopRunner. "I love running because it keeps me focused and disciplined in everything and all aspects of life," shared the woman who trained under the watchful eye of the legendary Michael Bra Sponge Seme as a promising half marathon athlete and part of a generation of international level top runners including Stephen Mokoka and Gladwin Mzazi.
Like Mokoka and Mzazi, the Moeketsi who hails from Bloemfontein in the Free State, ran in the colours of Transnet before it closed down and she joined the yellow and black of Team Murray and Roberts. Working full-time for the South African rail, port and pipeline giant, Moeketsi has had to balance work and taking care of her son, with the relentless training that long distance running demands.
"Its not easy but I have to try my best to balance, especially because I have a child with special who needs his mother's attention. I used to train alone but two months back I decided to join one group and it is helping a lot to run in a group. I love them. They are very consistent and supportive and we even go to race together. It's fun," said the woman who is now coached by Jerry Modibedi.
The new training group combined with Modibedi's advice has started to bear fruit in 2022. In July, Moeketsi came within ninety seconds of an eleven-year-old year personal best when she finished the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon in twentieth place in the time of 1:21:02. But the best result of the year came less than a week ago when Gqeberha once again allowed her to deliver a good performance. Moeketsi won the NMB 1 City Marathon on Saturday in 3:03:28 leaving her positive about what lies ahead.
"We actually aimed for 2:48:20 and it went well until 30km but the last 12km was a struggle. Anyway, I'm happy and grateful for my win and I thank God and my mentor, my Pastor for his support. It was not easy but by the grace of God I managed to finish so for me this means the best is yet to come. Winning the Two Oceans Marathon will be a dream come true for me and others will follow," she concluded.
Comments