Limpopo long-distance runner now a World Majors medalist
Tshinyandzo Mudau has completed all six World Marathon Majors in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City.
LIMPOPO- Long-distance runner Tshinyandzo Mudau from Faranani Athletics Club, is now a World Marathon Major.
Many marathons are run across the world, but only six have the title of World Marathon Major, which Muday has now all completed: the Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon and New York City Marathon.
Competing in the marathons is a sought-after achievement by amateur and elite athletes alike, as they attempt the 42 195km across some of the most famous city streets on earth.
Mudau, who hails from Tshidzini village outside Thohoyandou, says he always dreamed of completing 10 Two Oceans marathons and 10 Comrades marathons, but then came the next goal – that of a World Majors Medal.
“Except for these major marathons, I also competed in the Jerusalem Marathon in Israel, the Dublin Marathon in Ireland, the Paris Marathon in France, and the Rotterdam Marathon in The Netherlands. My aim at Tokyo was to finish and collect the World Majors Medal so that I can get my name engraved in the wall of honour. There are only 91 runners from Africa who have this medal and I wanted to be part of history,” said Mudau.
He said he started running in 2010, and completed his first Comrades in the same year. “The love of sport and what it does for my life, maintaining my focus and discipline, have seen me achieving my goals one after the other. Getting a green number for finishing ten Comrades marathons, a blue number for finishing ten Two Oceans marathons and then the World Majors Medal, this is what I live for.”
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Now that he has achieved his personal goals, he wants to encourage other runners to reach the same milestones, Muday told CV. “I will also continue running all over the world encourage others to do so. I thank God for all of this,” he said.
He says his biggest challenge is not having a sponsor. “The costs are enormous. Sometimes, injuries also set in, but it is with the support of my family that I have managed to achieve what I wanted. They allow me to use our funds for training and travelling around the world. I am truly grateful for them,” he concluded.
