North trail runner aims to scale new heights
Thabang Madiba, a trail runner from Ga-Rankuwa Unit 4 does amazing things in the world.
A Ga-Rankuwa-born athlete with a passion for trail running has travelled the world waving the South African flag high with his brilliant ability to run long distances.
Thabang Madiba (35) told Record that his burning passion for running has helped him make a breakthrough to perform in various parts of the world.
Madiba’s successful journey in trail running gained momentum in 2009, when he won his first race.
“In 2009, there was a new balance 15km race. I went and it happened that I won the race. From there, I knew that I belong to this sport,” said Madiba.
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“In 2011, I did my first duathlon where you are expected to cycle and run. That is where I got a chance to qualify for world champs in Spain. Nissan, the company I was working for at the time, financed the trip. Being out there and meeting different people really motivated me to want to do more,” said Madiba.
In 2013, Madiba won the first-ever South African trail running champs marathon distance, which qualified him for world champs in Poland.
“I was the only black person there, it was hectic and I came 21st overall, but I did win the second SA champs that made me go to Colorado (USA).”
Despite his achievements as an athlete, Madiba went through his fair share of challenges that forced him to put his dream on hold for a moment.
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“After I finished matric, I got a scholarship to study at a tertiary institution but I had to turn it down. Thing is, I realised that if I took the opportunity I was going to suffer as no one was working at home. So, I decided I’d rather look for a job to support my family,” said Madiba.
“Fortunately, I got a learnership at Nissan for 12 months. After that, I was offered a permanent position until I resigned in 2014, because it was just not my passion.”
The hardworking and determined Madiba said he knew that running would change his life one day.
“I have always loved running. I remember that during my time at Nissan, I used to run from Ga-Rankuwa to Rosslyn every morning, with my lunch bag and everything in a backpack. I thought to myself that if I run 15km to work and 15km back, that means I have completed 30km per day, that kept me going,” said Madiba.
Madiba is involved in other projects in the community to motivate and keep the youth inspired. He also teaches where he can.
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“I am currently working with Kgomotso Mokgoshi who is very talented. Whenever I train, I invite him. We smash close to 100km on the bike, and also I am helping Sefako Makgatho Health Science University students with training.”
His most recent project was a short film he did with Wandering Fever Films, which will tell his story as a trail runner.
“I did a short film for the community so that they know more about me apart from the Thabang they see running around the streets,” Madiba told Record.
“My goal is to win one of the high profile European trail races in the future and share my experience with the community I grew up in.”
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