Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Former South African half-marathon champion Abner Chipu is back in action after almost two years in limbo because of an assortment of injuries.

Chipu is now gearing himself up for the Nedbank Soweto Marathon on November 4, which is expected to attract more than 10 000 runners.

Chipu has gone back to his roots in GaMaponto village, near Senwabarwana in Limpopo, to sharpen himself up for the marathon.

"I have been here with my family to prepare for the marathon for the past six weeks and so far, so good," he said. "The Soweto Marathon has always been one of my worst road running events but I'm determined to do well this time round.

"It will obviously be a tough race because the majority of top South African runners and those from other countries will be there."

Chipu said he felt badly treated by South African athletics clubs who did not want to sign him up after being plagued by injuries.

"Some of them openly told me to forget about athletics. I would like to thank God for giving me the strength not to lose hope.

"Most of the clubs only take care of you when you are winning, they dump you like a hot potato as soon as your form drops or you sustain one injury after the other.

"I will be running on my own," said Chipu, who has represented South Africa at various international competitions.