When Sibusiso Ngcobo ran for the first time 10 years ago, finishing the Comrades Marathon was not something that was on his mind. Today, the Panorama Running Club member is preparing for his second Comrades race, proving how far determination and consistency can take a person.

His running journey began in 2015 with a simple 5km race. At the time, running long distances was not part of his plans.

“At that time, I never imagined that I would run Comrades,” Ngcobo said. “I didn’t even think I would run a half-marathon. It just shows that every big dream starts small,” he added.

Over the years, that small beginning grew into a passion. Along the way, parkrun became an important part of his development as a runner.

“Parkrun played a major role in building my discipline and persistence. I will always be grateful for it,” he expressed.

When Ngcobo lined up for his first Comrades Marathon in 2025, he faced an obstacle that could have ended his dream before it began. He was struggling with an Achilles tendon injury and had been advised not to run.

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“Running the Comrades for the very first time was exciting, but also very emotional,” he recalled.

“The physiotherapist advised me not to go, but I had already trained so hard. I couldn’t let that effort go to waste. I had to push through,” Ngcobo said.

Crossing the finish line became one of the proudest moments of his life. Now preparing for his second Comrades, Ngcobo said the experience gained from his first race has made a significant difference in his training.

“This time, it was different. I could visualise the race, and I knew what to expect,” he said.

Ngcobo has completed many long-distance races, and his journey has not been without challenges. During his first marathon at the Vaal, severe cramping left him exhausted and taught him valuable lessons about preparation, nutrition and endurance. Today, he uses those lessons to encourage others to begin their own fitness journeys.

“My advice is simple. Start with walking and increase your pace gradually as your body adapts,” he said as words of advice to anyone who wants to start their running journey but is unsure of where to start.

“Believe in yourself, trust the process, and go for it. You are capable of more than you think,” he added. For Ngcobo, running is more than just about races and medals; it’s a story of courage, patience, and self-belief.