Inanda Dam Training Run to be run for last time as it becomes an official KZNA race in 2023

After seven progressive years, the Inanda Dam Training Run will enter a new phase next year. Since it was founded in 2015, the annual run which happens in December is used by many KwaZulu-Natal marathon and ultra-marathon athletes as part of their preparation for the following year's athletics season. The run which is hosted by Orcas Academy, a club formed by Comrades Marathon gold medalist Prodigal Khumalo, will be an official race from next year.

Speaking to #TheTopRunner, Khumalo said they are still hoping to keep the same date as many people have made it part of their December training plans. The race will have a 50km distance and 21km distance and will be good news to township runners who don't have many races happening in their areas. For example, more than 70 percent of the KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) 2023 calender is hosted around the Durban and Pietermartizburg City centres.

"There has been an outcry for races happening in the townships for two long in our province and that must change. Many of the runners come from underprivileged backgrounds so to have a race happening in their area will be a relief. Mind you, we are still coming from Covid19 that have hit us hard and people lost their jobs," explained the 40-year-old Hollywoodbets Athletics Club top runner.

"The run has seen some good results over the years. We have learnt a lot about how to cater for the athletes in order to keep them safe on the road. We felt it is time we move on to a new chapter and host the run as an official race as from next year. I'm looking forward to the future and what it holds."

Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon gold medalist Nkosikhona Mhlakwana as well as multiple Comrades Marathon champion Bong'musa Mthembu took part in the 2021 Inanda Dam Training Run. Photo Credit: Inanda Dam Training Run.

This year the run is scheduled for the 18th of December, and will include a 50km, 40km, 15km, and 5km distances for the athletes to choose from. The ultimate goal for Khumalo is to use the run to raise sufficient money for the club to have shoes, a trick suits, and renew licenses for next year.

"The run has been used all years to raise funds for certain purposes. This year we aim to provide runners with shoes, have money to make new club tracksuits, and renew licenses. I know before athletes use to leave their takkies after the race for those who can't afford them so we are still hoping they can do the same. Its the little we can do to assist those who can't afford to build a great career around them," he said.