Training in gumboots and warm clothing on the beach might sound unusual, but it’s working for Dolphin Coast Striders runner Mhlengi Khowane as he gears up for his third Comrades Marathon.

Khowane is flying high after a breakthrough Two Oceans debut earned him another place on the Ballito club’s Gold Board, an honour reserved for special achievements in the sport. At this year’s Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (56km), he finished in 3:33, well inside the Gold Board qualifying time of 3:44 for his category.

That progress follows a strong showing at last year’s Comrades Marathon, where Khowane finished his second attempt at the Ultimate Human Race in 6:26:43, placing him among the top 100 men and earning a silver medal. He improved on his 2024 debut time by nearly 20 minutes.

READ: Nearly 140 Dolphin Coast Striders ready for Comrades challenge this weekend | North Coast Courier

“This was my first down run and while it was challenging, I am proud of the result,” he said at the time. “Running is in my blood.”

Khowane’s training reflects his approach. He is known for his unconventional methods, including the aforementioned beach running and training alongside his employer’s dogs while walking them.

“They are two Belgian Malinois’ who like to run just as much as I do – they wake me up every morning for a run. It’s what gets me up and their joy makes me happy,” he said.

“I try and take myself out of my comfort zone while training. It’s probably not the right way but it works for me, and when I hit the tar I feel lighter. I try and train twice a day with a long run on the weekend.”

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Adversity has also shaped his journey, strengthening his focus and commitment to the sport.

“My running life is now all about improving on my time. Every race I just want to do better but life is not always on my side and I can get very frustrated when I fail, but it teaches me to be stronger and I won’t give up.”

Now, as he prepares for his third Comrades Marathon, Khowane carries momentum from his previous experience, while drawing on a reputation built on consistency and hard work.

With each race, he continues to close the gap on the country’s top ultra-distance runners, signalling further potential on the big stage.

“The Comrades Marathon race is what I live for. At night before I sleep, I watch videos of Comrades runners that have won. My dream right now is to try and get to the top ten. I know it’s a dream, but we all have to have one.”

“There’s no ‘I’ in my running journey and I couldn’t do it without the love and support I get from my friends and family. There are so many of us who have started from nothing – that is what is so special about this race. If you have the passion, you can succeed, even if it’s just in your own heart.”

All signs point to a runner growing in confidence and experience ahead of another strong ultra marathon campaign.