Tlou Mathiba reflects on his 2024 Comrades Marathon: "Overcoming challenges and celebrating triumphs"

Tlou Mathiba Reflects on His 2024 Comrades Marathon Journey: Challenges and Triumphs

"I ran and completed my third Comrades Marathon on June 9, 2024. This was my first Comrades up-run, marking me as a novice. Like any other athlete, whether elite or social, from different sporting codes, approaching each race is nerve-wracking, no matter how prepared you are. Running the ultimate human race causes anxiety and sleepless nights. On race day, anything can go wrong, requiring a change of plans. Despite the nervousness, I was confident that I would finish the up-run, but I didn't expect to beat my previous time. I am glad I ran injury-free this year and achieved better results than in previous years.

Running the Comrades Marathon requires resilience, courage, endurance, and mental strength. We follow the Sepedi saying, "Gana ka wena," which means "refuse to fail or refuse defeat." The Comrades Marathon will test your fitness, so keep in mind that it is "you vs you." Run your own race at your own pace. My motivation this year was to run for differently-abled people, those who wish to participate but are unable to. Lining up and completing such events inspires those who have lost hope and motivates young kids from rural areas or townships to see a beacon of hope. "If you cannot offer anything, at least offer hope."

All my plans were made possible by the God of Mount Zion. I also thank my support structure, family, colleagues, Mogalakwena AC, and Unique Squad Training Group. To those who haven't started, the time is now."