THE journey to weight loss led to a passion for running in Avela Manciya, who is set to run her fourth Comrades Marathon this year.

The Bellair resident began her running journey in 2012 after joining a gym, where an instructor introduced weekly 5km runs. That small step quickly turned into something bigger when she entered the SPAR Women’s Race, starting with the 5km distance.

“At the gym, I met other ladies and we began running together regularly. As I became more consistent, I progressed from the SPAR 10km races to half marathons by 2015,” she said.

Now 41, Manciya had set her sights on qualifying for the 2020 Comrades Marathon, but those plans were disrupted when the race was cancelled due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

Also read: Pinetown educator laces up for Comrades

When the event returned in 2022, she had just given birth.

“I was hoping to run a qualifying marathon in November, but my baby was only six months old,” she explained.

In 2023, she ran the Hillcrest Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon, earning her qualification for the Ultimate Human Race.

For the mother of two, running is more than just a sport, it is her therapy and most importantly her happy place.

“The running community is filled with friendly people who have become like a second family. Even when I feel down, I always come back from a run feeling better,” she said.

Her journey has also allowed her to explore different parts of the country.

“We travel to different areas, and I hope that one day I can go abroad through running. I love travelling and exploring, and I want running to always be part of that.”

However, Manciya acknowledges that being a woman in sport comes with challenges. She said balancing training with family, work, and household responsibilities can be overwhelming.

Her typical day often starts with a 17km run, followed by preparing her children for school before heading to her job as a survey technician at the Water and Sanitation Department in Pinetown. After work, she attends to homework and household duties.

“It can be draining, and that’s why many women end up quitting. There are fewer women than men in many sports.

Also read: SPCA’s Sarah pedals to victory in Race Across SA

Safety is also a concern, I can’t always train alone on the road. And sometimes, sports gear is uncomfortable for women,” she said.

She also pointed out myths surrounding women in running.

“There are still superstitions that if you run, your body changes and it becomes difficult to have children,” she added.

The member of Clermont Striders now has her sights set on improving her previous Comrades Marathon time of 11 hours and 15 minutes.

With this year being an Up Run, which is not a favourite for many runners, Manciya said Comrades is Comrades, tough but rewarding, Up Run or not.

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