POLOKWANE – What Luthendo Mapoto did with his life after never having the opportunity to complete his matricm, is nothing short of inspirational.
The 28-year-old from Louis Trichardt is another addition to the Polokwane Road Runners club.
In 2007, the father of one, showed an interest in running, but only started taking running seriously in 2015. He explains what running means to him and why he takes his so seriously.
“Running is my bread and butter and enables me to support myself and my family, even though I am unemployed,” he said.
Mapoto has competed in some of the most popular races and marathons in the country. This includes the 2013 and 2014 Comrades Marathon where he finished 94th and 163rd respectively. In 2016 he came back bigger and better than before and finished in 35th position overall.
Read more of Luthendo’s achievements:
[Watch] Seeff’s 5km Fun Run kicks off
On your marks, get set, go for Nguni Grill 3-in1 race
He entered the Karoo Marathon in Cape Town in 2015 and achieved fourth position, and in 2016 finished in second place during the Mayoral Race in Polokwane.
According to him, he has a strict and rigorous training regime.
“I train from Monday to Saturday, even if I have not entered for a race. When I do have a race coming up I train every day, twice a day.”
The road of being a great athlete has not been an easy one for the young man, but his persistence and pure determination are admirable, to say the least.
“I currently don’t have a sponsor and at times did not have proper running shoes,” he said.
His challenges were not only limited to running apparel, his mother was a bit apprehensive about him choosing running as a career. With time and a bit of convincing, Mapoto says his mother eventually came around and started supporting him wholeheartedly.
“I want to enter the Comrades Marathon again and do a lot better than I did in previous years. I also want to enter the Two Oceans Marathon which has been a big dream of mine for a long time.”
He competed in the 42 km Cape Peninsula Marathon last week.
He says he couldn’t have gotten as far as he has if not for the guidance of seasoned athlete and mentor, Johan van der Merwe.
“He has really been a great mentor to me. He has helped me financially and otherwise, and I really appreciate all his help throughout the years. He really is a good man.”
Mapoto says he wishes to progress further in his career so that he can help the talented youth in his village.
vella@nmgroup.co.za
