Cape couple will celebrate 10-year anniversary by running Paris marathon

Panda Qamata won the trip in a competition sponsored by Sanlam and Asics. His wife Abongile will be joining him. They’ve both been avid runners since 2008.

The 2016 Paris Marathon is one of the most popular marathons in Europe with its beautiful scenic route through the City of Lights‚ and takes place on April 3. The prize includes flights‚ accommodation in Paris and race entry. Their running gear and shoes will also be sponsored.

Panda and Abongile‚ who are from the Adventist Athletics Club in Cape Town‚ were running along Camps Bay Promenade in 2013 when they met Francois Pienaar‚ an ambassador for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. “Francois was so sincere and motivating when convincing us to enter the marathon that we knew we had to do it‚” said Panda‚ who has since completed two Sanlam Cape Town Marathons as well as a two Comrades and a three Oceans Ultra.

Abongile is looking forward to the opportunity to compete with international athletes in Europe‚ and to adjust to the different altitude and climate.

“We’re so excited to be able to run together in a romantic city like Paris and to share this memorable experience as a couple‚” she said.

For Panda‚ it’s also about running for South Africa: “My wife and I will do our best to make our country proud.”