ONE OF SOWETO ’ S FINEST
Just days before the 28 th edition of The People ’ s Race on 5 November , a true legend of the African Bank Soweto Marathon , Thulani Sibisi , will celebrate his 70th birthday . In his competitive years , he was one of the best ultra-marathon athletes in South Africa , and his journey in the sport of running also saw him attend the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona , while back at home he has been an integral part of the Soweto Marathon story since the early days of the race . – BY SEAN FALCONER
As one of the all-time great runners to come out of Soweto , Thulani Sibisi is rightly considered a living legend and elder statesman of South African running – not just for his performances and results on the road , but also for what he has done behind the scenes for the sport … and continues to do . In recent years , this has included working hard to ensure that former winners of the race return , are looked after , and thus help to inspire others to run the race .
Thulani ’ s biggest accolade was winning the famous Two Oceans Ultra ( 56km ) in Cape Town in 1986 , and there is a wonderful story behind that epic win . You see , when he lined up for that race , Thulani knew he had to win the race , or else he would have to pay back a lot of money ...
Confidence and Self-Belief
Having finished 12th and 14th in the 1982 and 1983 Two Oceans , Thulani finished second in the 1985 City to City 50km race between Jozi and Tshwane , but by the end of that year he had actually decided to retire from competitive running – more about that below – but after finishing second at the Peninsula Marathon ( also in Cape Town ) in early 1986 , he decided late in the day to run Oceans again . The problem was , he didn ’ t have accommodation arranged in Cape Town , and was not keen on a long , cramped bus or train journey from Johannesburg to the Cape just before the race .
He therefore decided to turn to his former employer , businessman Johann Rupert , for help . “ I called his office and told his secretary I needed money for an air ticket ,”
Thulani on his way to his greatest win at the 1986 Two Oceans Marathon
says Thulani . “ Five minutes later she phoned back to say Johann said OK , but then I have to win , or else I must pay him back . I said OK , because I knew I could win it . Then she phoned to say the ticket was bought , first class , and I was booked into a hotel in Newlands as well , just one kilometre from the start and finish ! So , I was well rested when I lined up for the race , and I knew I was going to have a good run .”
I pulled away from the leaders on Chapman ’ s Peak and got caught again in Hout Bay , but I knew I would get them on Constantia Nek . My tactics worked perfectly , and that win opened doors for me . I wouldn ’ t be what I am today if I had not won , because it made me a brand . Other guys achieved more race wins , but that one win brought me far more , because I think I utilised it better .”
Opportunity to Run
Born in 1953 , Thulani grew up in rural Natal , and began running during this school years . “ I represented the Northern Natal region in the 5000m in secondary school in 1974 ,” he recalls , but adds that he left school early to go find work in Johannesburg , landing a job as gardener for Johan Rupert . “ I told him I was a champion 10,000m runner at school , so he said I should train after work and show him what I can do ,” says Thulani . “ One day I told him I wanted to run a 21km in Soweto , and asked him for R1 – that was a lot of money back then ! I finished fifth , and on the Monday , he spoke to various people , who put me in touch with Johnny Halberstadt . I went to see him at his running shop , and he gave me new running shoes and a big bag of running clothes . I was now a sponsored athlete !”
By 1983 Thulani was working at the Frontrunner sport shop in Sandton , and running successfully for Rand Athletic Club ( RAC ), where he was looked after by the club ’ s motherfigure , Vreni Welch . Unfortunately , the Apartheid laws of the day made life very difficult . “ I would get arrested at least once a month while training , because of the Pass Law ,
Images : Shawn Benjamin / Two Oceans Marathon & courtesy Bob De La Motte , Soweto Marathon , Two Oceans Marathon