Boys High School’s Founders Marathon is more than just a race

RUNNING a marathon can provide physical benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, increased endurance, and weight management. It also offers mental benefits like stress relief, enhanced mood, and a sense of accomplishment.

But then, along comes a marathon that not only benefits the runners and delights the spectators but actually aims to make a real difference in the lives of the less fortunate.

This was the plan when Kimberley Boys High School, in collaboration with the Teemaneng Running Club, announced the Annual Founder’s Half Marathon set to take place in Kimberley on Thursday, May 18.

Named “Township meets Town”, this half marathon embodies the spirit of unity and community. Departing from the traditional circular route, participants will commence their journey in Galeshewe and culminate their run at Kimberley Boys High School, in a symbolic gesture portraying the convergence of urban and township landscapes.

At the unveiling of this exciting race, Thabo Moilwa, Deputy Headmaster of Corporate Services at Kimberley Boys High School, emphasised that this marathon is organised by Teemaneng Running Club, one of the largest clubs in the province. Their collaboration underscores a shared commitment to fostering the growth of the sport across the region.

Moilwa then explained the significance behind the race’s title. With a majority of students hailing from Galeshewe, the event serves as a reminder of the school's deep roots in the township. He then outlined a clear strategy aimed at providing opportunities for deserving students from smaller “dorpies” to attend Kimberley Boys High School without financial barriers. The goal is to sponsor at least five exemplary students, who excel in sports, academics, and cultural pursuits by 2025.

Ntangana Thembelihle, Chairperson of the Kimberley Boys High School Governing Body (SGB), expressed the SGB's aspiration for the race to serve as a catalyst for inspiring the next generation of athletic talent. Drawing parallels to esteemed athletes like Gert Thys and local hero Arthur Jantjies, who have represented the province with distinction, Thembelihle envisioned children across the region aspiring to follow in their footsteps.

Thembelihle emphasised the intrinsic link between physical well-being and mental acuity. Quoting the adage that “a child in sports is a child away from drugs, prison, and social ills”, Thembelihle underscored the positive impact of sports in steering youth away from detrimental paths and towards brighter futures.

Principal Taba Xolile of Kimberley Boys High School unveiled the institution's ambitious five-year roadmap, guided by the rallying cry “from good to great”. Xolile emphasised that greatness transcends conventional metrics such as matriculation results, asserting that a truly exceptional school is one where students enter, flourish, and depart as enriched individuals.

Central to the school’s vision is instilling confidence in its students, equipping them with the self-assurance to navigate the complexities of the world beyond the classroom. He also underscored the distinction between mere results and genuine performance, drawing parallels from the realm of sports

Phantsi Obusitse, Deputy Chairperson of Kgosi Galeshewe Athletics, brought attention to the challenges facing the younger generation.

He lamented the sight of youth veering off course, succumbing to the allure of crime amid circumstances of disadvantage. Obusitse expressed hope that the sight of 800 runners weaving through the streets of Galeshewe would serve as a powerful inspiration to these youth.

While acknowledging the pain and exhaustion of running, he underscored the unparalleled sense of accomplishment upon crossing the finish line.

As for the race itself, every participant, regardless of their finish time, will be recognised for their dedication with a token of appreciation. Notably, elite runners who break national records will receive additional rewards on top of their prize money. The goal is to attract a minimum of 800 runners to partake in this inclusive event.

The marathon will feature three races. A five-kilometre, 10-kilometre and a 21-kilometre race that boasts a substantial prize pool of R170,000.

As the time slowly moves forward towards the May 18th race day, anticipation mounts and excitement fills the air.

With their sights set high, Boys High School and Teemaneng Running Club hope to set a new standard of running in the Northern Cape, bringing together young and old in the hope of creating a brighter future for those who need it most.

For further details on the Boys High School Founders Marathon, you can contact the deputy headmaster for corporate services, Thabo Moilwa on 073 077 7877.