Saturday 20 November  2010 – a date Ehsan Shabodien and Fadiel Kassiem will never forget.

Ehsan with his wife Raldia at the finish.

From Ehsan:

A big Shukran/thank you to Coach Farouk for all the valuable advice he gave me during the preparation for my Debut Marathon, without your advice I would not have been able to achieve my goal.

Shukran to all the Itheko Supporters for your great support along the route as well as cheering and welcoming us at the end. It was difficult for me to control my emotions at this stage of the race.

Shukran to all who assisted me on the field after the race, it was most greatly appreciated. The Winelands Marathon was THE most memorable race for me from all the other races and all the Itheko Supporters as well as Runners made it extra special.

Shukran once again to all.

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From Fadiel:

First I thank our creator for giving us the health and strength to finish the race.

Well done Youssef for great race and time, you could have at least waited for me when you saw me on the opposite side. To Malcolm well done, Ehsan very well done my friend  - you’re the reason that I’m running today, Shukran.

Fadiel cheered on by Itheko "pom-poms"

To the club members that were @ the corner, when I saw you it was as if I got my 3rd wind and I felt as if I’ve (won) the race. To the members at the finish line thank you. Ebrahim shukran for iceing down my legs. To my fellow members who have withdrawn, it was a nice but tough race.  Just seeing the Itheko family at that corner made it all so worth it.  Not forgetting the 2 young ladies and young man with the posters along the route – well done, you deserve a pat on the back – especially the one poster (the morgue is around the corner ‘look alive’) – smart. To coach Farouk – well done, you’re the reason for the existence of the club. When I saw coach on the opposite side I knew it could have been 4/5K’s gap…i told myself there’s no, no way that I’ll let coach catch me, sore knee or not.  I know you a “killer” when it comes to running. To Riyaad, Ehsan, Malcolm and myself we can at last speak with the men.

Thank you for the phone calls and sms from the members for their support.  Now tell your family and friends if they not at Itheko Running Club they’re at the wrong club!