By: Lerato Mutlanyane

The Royal Family Cathedral church in Bloemfontein led by Dr Masekwane Masekwane is part of an initiative aimed at preventing youth from engaging in criminal activities and substance abuse. Masekwane and his team started “The N1 60 KM Marathon send-offs” which took place on Saturday, June 7 to fill the void for those who were unable to attend the Comrades Marathon. “As thousands of South Africans apply for the Annual Comrades Marathon, not all applicants can participate in the marathon due to the financial constraints it comes with,” “This specific marathon is coordinated for participants to run from Brandford to Bloemfontein. He says the marathon was also an awareness tool against the rapidly increasing gender based violence statistics in the province. “It aims to promote more recreational activities for the youth” Masekwane and his team offered great support to the participants throughout the mara thon until completion. The winners are Christmas Qhali (26) in first place and Xolile Baartman (25) in second place.