Comrades marathon was a win
WESTCLIFF – Athlete Themba Mbele, who is also part of the Hinde Youth Foundation, took part in this year's Comrades Marathon to give back.
The annual 94th Comrades Marathon took place on 9 June and athlete Themba Mbele from Westcliff did not miss out. The race started at the Durban City Hall at 5.30am and ended 12 hours later at the Scottsville Race Course in Pietermaritzburg.
Mbele finished his race in 09:09:00 and received the Robert Mtshali Medal, which comes before bronze and is a newly added award to athletes who complete the race in nine to sub-10 hours.
Mbele said June is his birthday month and always a time for him to remember those who are less privileged.
“This year, I ran the Comrades Marathon for education. I compare the gruelling 98km race to the hardships of South Africans grappling with poverty, joblessness, cancer and so many more. My work with the Hinde Youth Foundation, supporting community campaigns, has given me a great purpose in life.”
He added that he has achieved five bronze Comrades Marathon medals and as he lost a sister to cancer, the pink breast cancer ribbon was pinned onto his running vest on the day.
“Running has taught me so much, especially discipline and commitment. Even though my age [53] is against me, I hang onto the dream of one day winning a gold medal and having my family waiting for me at the finish line. I wish that my mom and my sister were alive to see me running this big marathon. I never dreamed of finishing one marathon, let alone five,” Mbele said.
Details: Hinde Youth Foundation www.hyf.co.za, or email info@hyf.co.za
Share your Comrades Marathon moments on the Rosebank Killarney Gazette Facebook page
Related Articles:
Local runner praised as a hero ahead of his 36th Comrades Marathon
