Quick read

• Humbulani Mudau completed the 2025 Comrades Marathon barefoot in 09:38:21, earning the Robert Mtshali medal.
• He is launching a new athletics club for young runners in Louis Trichardt, Sinthumule, and Kutama.
• Mudau is self-funding local athletes but urgently needs sponsorship for transport, gear, and competition registration.

Full story

LIMPOPO – Barefoot marathon runner Humbulani Mudau from Tshikota in Louis Trichardt is well known in local running circles, but behind his determined stride lies a real struggle – a lack of sponsorship.

Mudau recently completed the 2025 Comrades Marathon barefoot, finishing in 09:38:21 and earning the respected Robert Mtshali medal.

Read more: Vhembe’s barefoot ‘Rasta’ ready for Comrades

While his achievement is impressive, Mudau is focusing his energy on a bigger goal: starting a new athletics club for young runners in the Louis Trichardt, Sinthumule, and Kutama areas.

“The talent here is incredible, but it’s being lost because no one is backing athletics. Local businesses support soccer, rugby, even netball and tennis – but they overlook athletics entirely,” he said.

Mudau says he sees young children with raw talent running barefoot on the streets, but there are no training facilities and no equipment to help them improve. In the meantime, he’s been funding a handful of local runners out of his own pocket, buying shoes and training gear to keep their dreams alive.

He’s now taken a bold step by leaving the clubs he used to run with, choosing instead to focus on building his own team.

“All we need is a bit of support. We need sponsorship for transport, registration fees, and licences to get these athletes competing,” he concluded.

Anyone interested in supporting Mudau’s mission or sponsoring his club can contact him directly on 072 289 9161.