“This Is What the World Needs”: Man Showers Soweto Marathon Runners With Water, SA Is Touched

• A man was captured doing a kind but expensive gesture after seeing marathon contestants in his Kasi running on a hot day
• The video made its way to the TikTok platform, leaving the online community entertained
• Many social media users were quick to praise the man for being thoughtful, and some marathon runners who were present on the day thanked him
• Beirfly News spoke with marathon runner and fitness guru Luvuyo Sapepa

One thing that differentiates the people of Mzansi from the rest of the world is our ability not to hesitate to show compassion to those in need, something we call Ubuntu.

A man was captured showing love to runners in Soweto. His viral video was shared on TikTok under the user handle @hixern, receiving 329K views and over 1.6 comments.

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The man's kind gesture is caught on camera

The video shows the man showering the Soweto Marathon runners with water using his hosepipe as they pass by his house in large numbers. Pleased by the gesture, runners lift their hands in appreciation while running.

Watch the video below:

Runners appreciate gestures from the public

Briefly News had the pleasure of speaking with Luvuyo Sapepa, a Virgin Active ambassador and marathon runner who explained the importance of small, kind gestures from the public when participating in a marathon.

"Small things like the cheers and getting water from the public mean so much to a runner. When running a marathon, I take water for every 10km I reach, and when I get to 30km, that water is the most important thing to have."

"Whether one splashes you with it or gives you to drink, if it's cold water and ice, it is like heaven, especially when you reach around 30km."

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He further explained what happens to the body when running.

"When running on hot days, your body temperature rises up because of the movement, so drinking water or getting water splashes kind of cools you down."

He further advised marathon runners not to place water stations far apart, especially on hot days, adding that a 5km station distance would greatly help.

Mzansi loves the thoughtful idea

The video received much praise from social media users who thought he was very kind. Some marathon runners also took to the comment feed to share how much the water sprinkles helped them as they ran on a hot day.

User @King_Leonardo_D1st said:

"Leave the water Bill out of this guy's. This is what the world needs to see: unity and love towards people U don't know Bcos U care about their lives."

User @slim million added:

"Advantages of townships, free water."

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User @Nthax 🇿🇦 Evy-e detailed:

"This man saved our lives; it was very hot on Sunday."

User @Masingoa ❤️felt grateful:

"We thank you, good people. We almost died on Sunday what you did here was God's work🙏😍❤️."

User @HalfSkopo added:

"This was a nice gesture and I’m sure the runners appreciated it so much."

User @mananajennifer said:

"He is so thoughtful."

SA's Deputy President Paul Mashatile takes part in the Soweto Marathon

Briefly News recently reported SA deputy president Paul Mashatile's participation in the 10km run at this year's Soweto Marathon.

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Marero was also among the 25,000 participants, along with the deputy president.

Source: Briefly News