Overcoming challenges: Thabani Mthembu’s inspiring story ahead of the Comrades Marathon

When he is out on the road, novice runner Thabani Mthembu, 37, feels like anything is possible and the weight of life’s challenges is lifted from his shoulders … at least for the time being.

While he isn’t able to run away from his current challenges, including a struggle to find permanent work, the resident of Foreman Road, an informal settlement in Durban, is offered respite from them, and the patience to overcome them.

Tomorrow, when he takes part in his first Comrades Marathon, Mthembu will again go to his “happy place”.

“I feel relieved after running, as if I can tackle anything I want to,” he told Independent Media Sport.

“It also teaches one discipline and patience, because you won’t always achieve what you want to achieve at the timeline you’ve set for yourself, so it mostly requires one to be patient with the process andyou learn to listen to your body.”

Coming from a settlement that is more often in the news for disasters, crime or violent protests, Mthembu’s story of resilience is one he hopes will inspire positive change in those around him.

It is also a story highlighting the spirit of generosity in the road running community.

He is proudly representing the newly established Sweepers Athletic Club, based in Berea, which sponsored Mthethwa with the necessary gear and support to compete in the race.

Mthembu, who is originally from Eshowe, does part-time maintenance work to survive, and would have struggled to realise his dream without the support.

They have even helped him prepare for race day, arranging transport to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday for the start of this year’s down run and seconding to the finish line, he revealed.

He also made lots of other friends along the way who have helped his planning, especially for the longer training runs.

“I took up running in 2020, during Covid times, when we were being encouraged to exercise,” he said of when the bug first bit.

And it’s been a busy few years for the runner.

“I’ve done Two Oceans, Mangosuthu Marathon as well as the Soweto Marathon, just to mention the ones outside Durban,” he said, proudly.

Previous Comrades attempts were put on hold due to injury setbacks, but Mthembu feels it’s the “perfect time” to tackle the gruelling ultramarathon.

He’s eyeing a finish time of 7hrs:20min “but if I can do less than that would be great”.

“My target is a silver medal but honestly it’s my first Comrades so I won’t be too hard on myself, but that does not stop one from dreaming,” Mthembu said.

He admits to a bit of pre-race jitters yet the overwhelming feeling is one of pride.

“It’s a brave move as well. It’s called The Ultimate Human Race, and that should tell you something. Comrades demands a lot from a person, the training is very intense, it requires one to be disciplined.”

As Mthembu prepares to take on the legendary Comrades route alongside thousands of other runners, he will continue to believe that anything is possible. He is living proof of that, as well as the fact that the Comrades spirit is not only reserved for race day.