Personal best for Kokstad Comrades runner
South Coast runner smashes his Comrades Marathon personal best and sets his sights on even faster times, while inspiring the next generation of athletes.
The recent gruelling Comrades Marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg saw local runner Perfect Dlamini engrave his name in the record books with a personal best performance.
Born and bred in eMzumbe Endwebu, Highflats, Dlamini, who works at Usher Memorial Hospital in Kokstad, has now completed eight Comrades Marathons. This year’s race was his best yet, finishing in 5:43, the fastest time of his Comrades career.
Dlamini runs under the banner of Hollywood Athletic Club and is also part of #4AM, a community of runners based in Kokstad.
“This year’s marathon was close to my heart as in the past three years I have been struggling with intermittent recurring injuries. To be honest, my target was sub six hours and I am ecstatic that I have seen my dream turning into reality. I love this marathon. Currently, I don’t see myself hanging my takkies; the only thing that will divorce me from running is death,” said Dlamini.
Although he has won various marathons around the country, Dlamini’s dream is to improve on the time he achieved this year.
“I have been a podium finisher in various marathons in the country, but my main dream is to see myself completing among the best of the best in the game and improving dramatically from this year’s time. The support I get from my family, friends, colleagues, Hollywood AC, the #4AM community of runners and my friends at XJ Athletic Club is amazing. They always push me beyond my limits and their motivation has not gone unnoticed,” he said.
Dlamini said he loves running because it allows him to forget about everything else and focus on the race.
He also has a passion for developing young runners. Two of his protégés, Xola Siphengana and Mzokuthula Tolo, returned home with silver medals from this year’s marathon. He hopes to continue sharing his experience and training young athletes for the future.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
