POLOKWANE – Polokwane Athletics Club (PAC) veteran Moloko Makgato has written ‘A Pain of Satisfaction’, a novel inspired by his first Comrades Marathon experience.

Makgato, who runs the Comrades Marathon annually and gained attention in 2024 for helping an elderly woman across the finish line, uses the book to share the physical and emotional toll of the Ultimate Human Race.

‘I had to play catch-up from the start’

Describing himself as a “plaasjapie from rural Senwabarwana”, Makgato recounts how his race plan faltered when he realised his watch’s GPS was switched off.

“I had to play catch-up from the start,” he wrote.

At Inchanga, he joined a group using a 10-step run-walk strategy.

“I believe that at the foot of Inchanga, God sent me a group of about four or five runners. I prayed, ‘Lord, if this group was sent by You, it would either make me or break me’.”

After conquering the hill, he stopped at the large wooden cross and prayed: “Thank You, Lord, for sending Your angels my way.”

Tears at Ithembini

One of the most emotional moments came at Ithembini, a home for physically challenged children, where youngsters lined the route cheering runners on.

“I remember saying to them, ‘Hang in there’. What brought me to tears was that it seemed as if they were saying the same thing to me.”

The war between body and mind

Makgato writes that between 60km and 70km, his body and mind “started a war” and he became the battleground.

“A little girl offering jelly babies lifted me. I promptly stopped and said, ‘I will take orange’. This energy should take me to Pietermaritzburg.”

Crossing the finish line

He walked the infamous Polly Shortts climb, stayed ahead of the 12-hour bus and crossed the finish line in 11:49.

“I saw runners lying on the ground, just as seen on TV. I took one last gaze at my medal and shed a tear once more.”

Lessons in faith and resilience

Makgato said the race taught him valuable lessons about faith and resilience.

“I have learnt that in life, things may not always turn out the way we want them to. When you involve God in your plans, He will be there with you.”

‘I don’t run to win races’

He added: “I don’t run to win races. I run to escape this world and its harsh realities. Keep dreaming. Keep pushing.”

Beyond his personal achievements, Makgato remains committed to helping grow and sustain PAC for future generations.

Makgato runs his sixth Comrades Marathon this year at the 2026 Comrades Marathon ‘Up Run’ race on Sunday, June 14, starting at the Durban City Hall and finishing in Pietermaritzburg.