Runner realises she loves helping people
She has a team of 50 and wants to take it all the way.
After realising that her calling is helping people, she left the Fourways Road Runners to start her own club where she will assist runners from disadvantaged backgrounds fulfil their dreams.
Stella Madlala known as ‘Skeem saam’ in her community started showing her presence in 2014. She wanted to help runners achieve their dreams as she is well on her way to hers. The Diepsloot resident says her life and career has always been in Fourways. She achieved a lot as a member of the road runners club – like her green number in the Comrades Marathon.
Madlala moved to Gauteng in 1997 to chase after her dreams. “I came to Gauteng because I wanted to run the Comrades. It was not easy but I entered the competition with high hopes. In the process of trying to qualify, I ran a township marathon where I got hit by a car and broke my leg and lost two teeth.”
She tried again in 1998, qualified and ran the Comrades. “It was my first time completing it; I couldn’t believe it.”
She finished in 10:32:58. In 2009, Madlala obtained her green card. “I finished in 11:17:10 and I got my green number. I am now aiming for my double number.”
The 58-year-old has run 18 Comrades and wants to get to 20 to obtain her double number. She is asking for donations to help the 50 members of her club achieve their goals. After seeing people sleep in bathrooms when going to races she felt the need to start her own club to help these people. “Some runners go to the race with no food and I help them. Some are currently unemployed and cannot get themselves to the races, but I help them achieve what they want to achieve. I might not have much but with the help of my bosses and the Fourways Road Runners, I achieve a lot.”
After she survived cancer in 2006, she started a development group called Blue Sky Athletics which she uses to help children and young adults get away from the streets. “My main aim is to encourage and show these children that there is a whole lot more to life than drugs. I wish I could get a sponsor for my team and reach greater heights.”
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