Years of running lead to first Comrades Marathon
Midrand Striders Club runner finally qualifies for her first Comrades Marathon after years of dreaming to be a part of it.
Bangi Mabena, a local social runner from Carlswald, Midrand, has taken a major step in her running journey by joining this year’s participants of the Comrades Marathon.
A member of the Midrand Striders Club, Mabena has been running with the group for three years.
She said the sport had become both a source of discipline and a way to free herself whenever she needed a break from life’s daily demands. Originally from KwaNdebele, Mabena has always been a fitness enthusiast.
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She competed in athletics during primary and high school before moving on to soccer, tennis, and basketball at university.
After graduating, she joined a gym, fell in love with cycling classes, and soon found herself inspired by runners she saw on her way there. That’s when her passion for running truly began. She said that entering the Comrades Marathon this year was the fulfilment of a childhood dream.
“It has been a childhood dream as I grew up watching it on TV and seeing how iconic it was. Now, as a runner, I decided to challenge myself to push beyond my limits and also to be part of the iconic human race.”
In preparation, Mabena took part in the Benoni Northern Athletics Club Marathon on April 19, the official qualifier for Comrades. Reflecting on her motivation, she said, “It’s the commitment I have made to myself, so I need to prove to myself that I can push beyond my limits. The Comrades distance is a scary thought, but I will embrace the journey and take it as it comes.”
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Training, she admitted, has been transformative. “Preparing for Comrades has challenged me in more ways than I expected.
There have been tough days physically and mentally, and beyond the physical side, it’s a test of character as well. The journey has shaped me as a runner, and as a person, and overall, I feel lighter just as a human being.”
As she heads into the Comrades Marathon on June 14, Mabena hopes to enjoy the iconic race and fulfil the promise she made to herself – to cross the finish line.
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