Aiming Still Higher
ROAD RUNNING
Thabang coming home to win the 2024 Durban City Marathon beings , who welcomed me as one of their own . It was then I decided to reach my full potential in running .”
Then in 2022 , Thabang met and signed up with coach Wade Forster , whom he credits for improving his running so dramatically . “ At that time , I had just run 2:56 during the Hillcrest Marathon , but last year my performance improved when I clocked 2:27:17 during the Durban International Marathon . From there , I started to gain confidence that I was on the right track ,” says Thabang . “ Coach Wade brought in changes , from the way I eat to the training programmes he introduced to me . I think , most importantly , he is a great communicator in everything we do . He is like a father figure to me . So , I ’ m happy with our relationship , as it ’ s producing great results !”
Aiming Still Higher
Thabang now works as the Communications Officer at the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal , and says his next target in running is to line-up for the 2024 Comrades Marathon on the 9th of June , where his goal will be once again improve his finishing time . It will be his third time taking part in the iconic ultra run between Pietermaritzburg and Durban – he debuted in the Ultimate Human Race in 2022 , clocking a time of 7:17:39 and finishing 276th , and then last year crossed the finishing line in a very fast 5:55:58 , in 50th position over the line !
“ In the past two races , I have learned some valuable lessons about running the Comrades Marathon , but this will be my first time doing an Up Run . We have
All set to earn a third Comrades medal in June
First time experiencing that winning feeling
done all the preparations heading into it , and I trust my coach to guide me through the process , so I am focusing on what I have done in training . My goal is to improve the time I did last year , even if it ’ s just five minutes , because I don ’ t want to put pressure on myself with big targets … the results will come at the right time . With that all being said , I think I ’ m ready for the test to come ,” concludes Thabang .
About the Author
Tathe Msimango is a Durban-based freelance sport journalist , podcaster and digital content creator , with a particular interest in all things running . He is a regular contributor to various platforms and outlets , including Kaya FM , The Top Runner and Blizzard magazine in the UK .
Thabang ’ s times have improved markedly these past two years
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