Despite struggling at the 50KM point due to fatigue, he managed to push forward with the encouragement from fellow runners and he managed to cross the finishing line.

He completed the 56km race with a time of six hours and 35 minutes, a slight decline from his 2016 race’s best time of six hours 22 minutes.

This year’s marathon was incomparable to him because he turned 50 in February and the marathon is also on its 50th year.

Mabulana got his inspiration of running from his former friend who he saw running during the Soweto Marathon in 2014, he then started running and after seeing the health benefits he never looked back.

“When I began running my health condition was not pleasant, I use to get sick regularly, but after doing marathon my health just keeps on getting better and better,” he explained.

He trains about three times a week and if he is not at home or on the road running he is a full time teacher at the Leakhale Primary School. He concluded by saying he is going for his fifth medal in next year’s competition.