Veteran runner gears up for Comrades Marathon
‘Bra Mike’ ready to take on the Durban to Pietermaritzburg challenge once again.
Funani Jojo, affectionately known as ‘Bra Mike’ is preparing to run his third Comrades Marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on June 14.
The 67-year-old, a former principal of Bethel Junior Secondary in Matatiele, said he initially took up running as a hobby with no intention of tackling the gruelling ultra-distance race.
“Max Gono of XJ Athletic Club coersed me to run it after saying I have all what it takes to finish it, he registered me without my knowledge. In fact all the guys that subscribe to the community of runners in Kokstad were influential and I was worried that I won’t finish because of age. I am ecstatic to mention that the rest is history I finished in a record time two years ago,” said Jojo.
Now heading into his third race, Jojo says taking up running later in life has been one of his best decisions.
“There is nothing that will stop me from running unless it is an injury that forces me out . This decision has assisted me with my state of mind. Now I can make informed decisions without forgetting things, my memory is sharp. The support that I receive from my family, community and XJ athletes at large is amazing and I appreciate it,” said Jojo.
He added that his goal for this year’s race is to finish in under 10 hours.
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