Marathon stars rally behind Elroy Gelant ahead of World Champs race

Gelant will line up in the men’s marathon on Monday morning at 1am South African time, making his World Champs marathon debut over 42.2km after featuring in the 5000m and 10 000m track meetings in the past.

The 39-year-old University of North West lecturer is chasing a historic podium finish, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Josia Thugwane, the country’s only Olympic marathon gold medallist from Atlanta 1996.

Mokoka remains the most successful South African marathoner at the World Championships after placing fifth in Doha in 2019.

Speaking to SABC Sport, the veteran said Gelant has what it takes to bring home a medal.

“Firstly, I want to wish Elroy well. He inspires me a lot, especially after breaking the SA record earlier this year in Germany. He is a tough competitor, and I believe he can make the podium if everything goes according to plan. I will be up at 1am watching and cheering him on. He is raising the flag for us, and as a country we need to get behind him,” Mokoka said.

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The 40-year-old admitted that not everyone will want to see Gelant succeed but urged South Africans to back him fully. 

“There are always haters in sport. Some people don’t want you to succeed. But I believe Elroy’s mindset is strong, and with the form he has now, he can win a medal.”

Three-time Comrades Marathon champion Dijana echoed the support, calling Gelant an inspiration. “He is the best marathon runner we have. 

We learn so much from him, and I wish him all the best for Tokyo,” Dijana said.

Steyn, who has made history by winning the Comrades Marathon for three different clubs, also pledged her support. 

“The whole country is behind him. We saw him fight for an 11th-place finish at the Olympics last year, so we know he has what it takes. It would be incredible to see him win a medal for South Africa, and I’ll be waking up at 1am to watch him,” Steyn said.