SSEDIBENG.- Emfuleni Athletics Club veteran athlete, Sipho Nhlengethwa, was one of the local runners who participated in this year’s Comrades Marathon in Durban.

While many run for gold, silver, and bronze medals, Nhlengethwa told Sedibeng Ster Sport that his participation in the Comrades Marathon was inspired by a healthy lifestyle. He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that he fell in love with running while he was still in school, and it stayed with him as he grew up.

This was not his first Comrades Marathon.

He said he first participated in this annual athletic event back in 2004. He said he was a novice in this competition and was cut due to the cutoff time.

He believes it was a mind, body, and spirit test for him and a learning curve. He has enjoyed taking part in the Comrades Marathon since then.

He said he went back again, this time more determined and focused to do better than the last time.

“I went back with courage, laser-focused, trained smart, raced smart and received positive support from my club, Emfuleni Athletics Club. I have loved this sport since I was a young kid, and even now, I’m still passionate about running.

Look, running also keeps me away from several bad things and keeps me focused on the good. I’m looking forward to next year’s Comrades Marathon. The best way to prepare is to start immediately. You don’t wait for next year; you start now,” said Nhlengethwa.