Running completes athlete’s life puzzle
Born and bred in Zimbabwe, he shared that entertaining his love for running was not really a priority or a possibility for him during his difficult upbringing.
‘IF it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you’. This can be said of 42-year-old athlete, Ignatius Gorejena whose blood, sweat and tears have made him a fit force to be reckoned with.
Born and bred in Zimbabwe, he shared that entertaining his love for running was not really a priority or a possibility for him during his difficult upbringing. 
“I used to run at school, but I was not motivated because growing up I faced tough situations that eliminated me from accessing certain opportunities. But, when I came to South Africa in 2010 to seek better work opportunities, I saw people running as a hobby and some were members of clubs. I became inspired. I instantly wanted to run the Comrades Marathon, but I found out that you cannot run the Comrades if you don’t belong to a club. I began to do some research and found the Bluff Athletic Club (BAC). I was 38-years-old at the time and I have never looked back. For me, taking part in sport was also a way of avoiding mixing with the wrong crowds. I wanted a new and better life than the one I had before,” he said.
He started taking interest in running more seriously and to achieve his goal of running the Comrades. His first official race was the 21km Durban Runner in 2018. “It was a very exciting moment. I remember I didn’t even have running trainers. I wore my sneakers and ran thinking I was going to cruise through it and that it would be an easy win. However, I found it quite difficult. But when I came back people praised me for my finishing time, saying I did well. I had done 1hr 20min. I was a bit confused because I didn’t know the difference between good and bad time. I just thought I messed up because I didn’t win.”
Not one to throw in the towel, he has since participated in numerous other long distance races and marathons throughout KZN. These include the Ntenga Foundation Charity, Amanzimtoti Sapphire Coast, Rising Sun Chatsworth Freedom, Deloitte Challenge, Durban City and Hillcrest marathons to name a few.
Both his confidence and perseverance has paid off and he has acquired a new found appreciation and patience for the sport. His long-time dream to lace-up for the Comrades became a reality in 2019, which he admits was a battle to complete.
“My finishing time was 7hrs 56mins. I didn’t have a coach to help me properly prepare and that was my downfall. However, the support from my club was great. I was hoping to run it again in 2020 and do my back-to-back, but unfortunately Covid-19 hindered my plans. It was quite a disappointing year, because I was also aiming for silver in the Two Oceans Marathon,” said Ignatius, who ran the 90km Virtual Comrades Marathon on the Bluff last year.
Although the Comrades was yet again cancelled this year, he continues to train daily with his trainer. “I will keep working until the opportunity comes again. My aspiration is to get my silver medal, but ultimately I want to be a positive example. I want youngsters to look at me and believe that it is possible to achieve your goals. I didn’t have much stability and support when I was growing up when it came to things like sports. My desire is to be that support to a person because we all need motivation and support to realise our dreams,” said the father of two, who also hopes to one day coach and train the youth.
“When you’re running, it doesn’t matter what your race, age or background is. Being a part of BAC has also given me a sense of a family unit, a sense of belonging and I don’t want to let the people who believe in me down.”
An unforeseen challenge he has faced in his running career was suffering a sprained ankle towards the end of last year which forced him to take a break from what he loves most to heal and recuperate. He is currently back on his feet and determined to do his absolute best in the upcoming races for the year. “I want to push harder by working harder. Running is both a hobby and a passion of mine which took time, effort and patience to nurture. It has changed my life for the better,” he said.
When he isn’t on the road, Ignatius works as a handyman, builder and painter. The avid runner owes his achievements to his support system made up of the various members of BAC as well as the Fynn family whom he lives with.
