10-race journey earns runner permanent number at 50km Loskop Ultra Marathon
56-year-old runner and Midrand Striders member Mohau Mphomela has secured his permanent number after finishing his tenth 50km Loskop Ultra Marathon.
Mohau Mphomela, a 56-year-old Sagewood resident, is passionate about running.
He has been a proud, long-standing member of the Midrand Striders for about 20 years now, since he was introduced to running by a colleague in 2004, who, he says, he is grateful for.
Read more: Kyalami hosts final day of Toyota Easter Festival
At the time he was supported by his wife, Nikiwe Mphomela, who passed away in 2016.
The Sagewood resident says running has instilled discipline in him. The waking up early in the morning, whether on hot and dry, or cold and rainy days, has taught him resilience, perseverance, and longevity.
Recently, he took part in his tenth 50km Loskop Ultra Marathon, which took place in April 25.
His first 50km Loskop Ultra Marathon was in 2005, the same year Olympic gold medalist Josiah Thungwane broke the record, with a time of 02:44:03. A record no one has been able to break in the last 12 years.
Also read: Noordwyk Parkrun marks Autism Awareness Month with run
Mphomela mentioned how getting his 10th award from Thungwane was a full circle moment, since it was his first 50km Loskop Ultra Marathon when Thungwane broke the record.
“That was a full circle moment for me, because I was part of the same race where Thungwane broke the record, and now I was receiving my 10th award from him.
“It was extremely memorable and an honour for me.”
His consistency in partaking in the marathon shows true courage and passion, the same courage and passion which has earned him his permanent number, 2023.
Mphomela’s ultimate goal is completing the world’s top seven marathons. He’s almost there, with only three of them left.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
