Athlete from eMbalenhle runs province to province to inspire young people

At 48, eMbalenhle athlete John Foko is using his passion for running to inspire young people to hold on to their dreams and stay away from drugs and crime.

Foko embarked on a province-to-province run as part of his birthday celebrations, using the three-day challenge to bring hope and encouragement to young people facing challenges in their communities.

The journey took him from eMbalenhle to Delmas, Pretoria and ultimately Brits.

“The reason behind this journey is that I saw many of our youth have lost hope and given up in life. I decided to run with a purpose, bringing hope to them to hold on to their dreams,” said Foko.

Foko said he had witnessed young people becoming involved in drugs and crime because of a lack of hope and opportunities.

“I saw many of them get involved in drugs and crime, and I aim to run and recruit some of them along the way and also to emphasise the importance of school and sports,” he said.

He said his vision was to encourage young people to leave the streets and pursue activities that could help them build better futures.

“It is a known fact that young people in our townships are faced with many challenges, which include unemployment, drugs and crime.

“It is our responsibility as adults to give them hope and encouragement not to give up, but to stay positive that one day, as long as they stay focused, they will succeed in life,” said Foko.

Foko’s latest challenge forms part of a series of long-distance runs he has undertaken to promote his message of running with a purpose.

He previously completed a 60km run from eMbalenhle to Standerton and a 46km run from eMbalenhle to Trichardt. He has also participated in the 21km Evander Half Marathon.

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Reflecting on his latest challenge, Foko said his dream of competing in the Comrades Marathon had been realised through the demanding journey.

“My dream of competing in the Comrades Marathon is now realised as I managed to run and walk from eMbalenhle to Delmas and from Delmas to Pretoria, then to Brits on August 21, which is my three-day journey.

Comrades Marathon is about completing the race and, if I look, I almost ran an estimated 200-plus kilometres and reached my final destination,” said Foko.

He said his journey was also a message to young people that achieving their goals could take time, but perseverance was key.

“This is a message I send to young people that no matter how long it takes them to reach their goals, the important part is to reach it,” said Foko.