Buhle goes for number ten

Since 2004, Buhle Gumbi has been pushing himself to the very limits of human stamina and endurance. This year will be no different, except for the green number he will receive, recognising his monumental achievement.

Mr Gumbi, a 50-year-old high school teacher, will be taking part in his tenth Comrades Marathon this year.

According to Mr Gumbi, training for an event like the Comrades is an ongoing process. “It never stops,” he laughed. “So many things get very tough, and then you don’t perform as well as you would want, despite all the training.”

For him, the sound of his tekkies on the tar road is like medication. He can forget about the worries of everyday life and break away, concentrating on his rhythm.

Mr Gumbi started running at a very young age, competing in athletics for his school and later for his varsity team. After years of shorter road races, he moved up to taking part in the ultra marathon, the Comrades.

“My favourite year was 2007, when I finished in under 8 hours. I haven’t been able to better that time yet,” he said.

Running for the Eskom Atheletics Club has shown him the value of team spirit and teamwork. “We are a group of plus minus 30 guys who train and run together,” he said. “My team mates have pushed me this far.”

Happily married with four children, two of whom are at university and a twin boy and girl who are in Grade 10, Mr Gumbi can always find the support he needs from his family.

“If I have any doubt, my children always say to me, ‘Papa, we know you will make it’, something which has been a big inspiration to me,” he said. “They are interested in other sports like rugby and soccer. Someone who does not run thinks runners are a bit crazy,” he laughed.

Mr Gumbi smiled fondly as he spoke of the support he receives from his wife. “After I come back from a race, I sit down for an interview. I must tell her everything, from the beginning to the end,” he said. “It is very much like sitting down for an interview. I get a phone call before every race and after, which helps me a lot.”

Mr Gumbi also spoke about his diet and training, saying there wasn’t really any special food on the menu. He just concentrates on eating as many carbohydrates as possible, and getting some rest before the marathon.

“It is important to give your body some time to rest and build up the energy you will need for the Comrades,” he said. “I still train leading up to the day, but a lot less and not so hard.”

Mr Gumbi is set on completing 25 races at least, a milestone he will surely attain if he works as hard as he does. “It will only stop when my knees decide they don’t want to run anymore,” he joked.

Mr Gumbi wished to thank all his team mates and family for their support and inspiration.

“I know I will be coming back wearing a big grin,” he said. “This year will be a big moment for me in running.”