Charne Bosman insists local runners are thriving despite tough competition from East African counterparts

The fastest South African contender, Glenrose Xaba managed to secure a respectable third place on three occasions. 

Unfortunately, she missed the podium in the recent Mbombela leg, finishing in fifth place. However, veteran ultra-marathon runner Charne Bosman offered inspiring words of encouragement, urging local runners to persevere and maintain their determination in the face of tough competition. 

Bosman believes there is still an opportunity for the local runners to give their best and continue the fight against the dominant East African counterparts.

"I must say I take my hat off, it's quite a hard competition but I must say like Kesa [Molotsane] and Glenrose, especially Glenrose has been doing so well. They don't get intimidated by the foreigners, they just give their best, so ya that's a great thing," Bosman said.

Amid financial constraints leading to major sponsors like Murray & Roberts withdrawing their support, Bosman highlights the challenges faced by runners who now find themselves compelled to participate in races every week to earn money.

"You must also remember the big club Murray & Roberts don't have a sponsor anymore so then athletes if there's no money they will go and race where the money is. Then they will end up doing more races," she added.

"If they don't have a job and their only income is from their club and their club can't pay them anymore then people will start overracing and do more races where there's a lot of money."