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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]​In June 2019, Mr Titus Sethibe Mohubedu, a Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, completed his 14th Comrades Marathon in 8 hours and 46 minutes. His first attempt at the Comrades Marathon was in 2000 but he was unable to complete the marathon due to ill health on the day. However, he refused to give up.

Titus Mohubedu (51) continued with his training and preparations for the marathon. During winter, he had to start training from 5 am until sunset. In 2002, his hard work, discipline and persistence paid off when he completed the Comrades Marathon in 10 hours and 20 minutes. Fourteen ‘completed Comrade Marathon’ races later, his first-attempt in 2000 went on to become the only Comrades marathon that he did not finish.

The quote “Mens sana in corpore sano” (‘a healthy mind in a healthy body’ in Latin) has motivated him since grade 11. By then, he had about 60 minutes of physical training each day, which included running and participating in a soccer team. “I have been physically active for a long time. I started training by myself during my first year of college during the exams. Studying for hours was very stressful so I wanted something to refresh my mind and physical training was the perfect remedy. Being physically fit makes me feel happy, lively and active” said Mr Mohubedu.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Titus’ weekly running schedule consists of 2 consecutive days of running for 21 km each day and 2 consecutive days of running for 10 km each day. Due to time constraints, he runs his 21 km run after work; he runs from Kingsway Campus (APK) to his home, which is about 23 km away.

“My 21 km run home takes about 2 hours so I leave the office 2 hours before sunset to avoid running in the dark. Sometimes, I carry my day attire in a suitable running hydration backpack and train like a soldier. Running has many health and environmental benefits. It is the best social event one could ever have” added Mr Mohubedu.

When asked what he enjoys the most about running in races such as the Comrade Marathons, he said “the company of the fellow runners along the road, the challenges en route, the cheering spectators along the road, the scenery in most of the races is just unspeakable. The overwhelming joy you feel when entering the finish venue in long races like the Comrades Marathon is new every time. The feeling of achievement lasts forever. I will not stop running for as long as I am able to run.”

Below is a table of Mr Titus Sethibe Mohubedu’s Comrades Marathon history

Author: Ofentse Olunloyo[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]