Curro Krugersdorp High School is proud to announce that their head of high school, Bafana Mabena, will be participating in this Sunday’s Comrades Marathon.
The renowned ultramarathon, spanning about 86 kilometres, is celebrated as the world’s largest and oldest of its kind. It is a gruelling test of endurance and determination, held annually in the KZN province, connecting the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Since 2019, runners over the age of 20 qualify when they can complete an officially recognised marathon (42.2 km) in under four hours and 50 minutes.
During the event, an athlete must also reach five cut-off points in specified times to complete the race. The spirit of the Comrades Marathon is said to be embodied by attributes of camaraderie, selflessness, dedication, perseverance and ubuntu.
According to Curro’s marketer Amoryn Wright, qualifying for the Comrades Marathon is a significant achievement, for an elite group of athletes who possess exceptional endurance and dedication.
“Bafana’s participation in this historic race underscores his commitment not only to personal excellence but also to the principles of hard work, persistence and discipline. A sportsman by nature, Bafana embodies the values that he imparts to both our staff and learners. His rigorous preparation for the Comrades serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through dedication and perseverance,” she said.
Bafana’s role as a leader at Curro Krugersdorp High School extends beyond the classroom, he hopes to lead by example and encourage the learners of Curro to strive for success. Taking part in the race won’t be anything new for Bafana, as he already has several milestones achieved.
“I have received provincial colours for athletics in both primary and high school and High School Cross Country in the past. I have competed in seven Comrades with three silvers, three Bill Rowan and one bronze medal. Running has also inspired me to coach and I have been doing that for the past 16 years.”
“I always see it as an opportunity to embrace my God-given gift and positive mindset, it makes it something to learn from rather than seeing it as a challenge.
“Seeing it as a tool to inspire people around me showing them that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Mindset plays an important part. Fill it with good stuff to maintain you through those times. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
He leaves aspiring runners with sound advice as he hopes to bring glory to Krugersdorp as he will partake in the run on Sunday.
“Start small with only walking for five minutes from there, build it up from walking and running in between. Stay disciplined when you start as this will help you see and feel the results. Find a partner that will motivate you and help with moral support. Do a 5km fun run and then build up from there. Everything new is normally hard in the beginning but the more often you do it the better it gets.”
