Thembisa runner clocks personal best at Comrades after 550 days of running
For Thembisa runner Thabo Moeketsi, the Comrades Marathon is not just a race — it's a spiritual, physical, and emotional journey.
'Comrades is not a race — it's an experience that introduces you to your inner self, your true self,' Thabo said.
'Each year, you discover something new about yourself.'
This year marked Thabo's 10th official Comrades Marathon start and his eighth finish, clocking a personal best of 9 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds.
ALSO READ: Rabasotho SAPS sergeant conquers second Comrades Marathon
It was a breakthrough moment for the dedicated runner, who missed the cut-off before the finish in 2015 and again in 2023 at Pinetown.
But 2025 wasn't only about a medal or a personal best.
It was Thabo's fourth year running in support of the KwaZulu-Natal Community Chest, an organisation that feeds 7 845 children daily through its early childhood development (ECD) programme.
'This has given me a reason beyond personal glory. I'm able to raise funds for God's greatest gift — children,' he said.
His success this year was made possible by his unwavering discipline.
On race day, June 8, Thabo marked day 550 of an unbroken daily running streak, a challenge he started on December 8, 2023.
During this time, he has consistently achieved personal bests in every race he has entered.Thabo's preparation for this year's Comrades was extensive.
ALSO READ: Watch: Comrades Marathon hero helps collapsed runner finish race
He participated in the Soweto Marathon (42.2km) and Tough One (32km) in November, followed by the Johnson Crane Marathon (42.2km) in January, Tshwane Ultra North (50km) in March, and the MiWay Marathon (42.2km) in May.
On average, he ran 12km per training session, often heading out after work between 18:00 and 21:30.
He supplements his routine with strength training, drinks three litres of water daily, and maintains a vegetarian diet, which he has followed for the past 15 years.
'I trained alone, and I ran alone on race day,' he said.
'I usually play gospel music through my phone while I run, but this year I left it behind to stay fully focused. Still, in my mind, one song played over and over: 'We are under an open heaven' by Maranda Curtis.'
High-fives from children along the route and encouragement from fellow runners kept him motivated throughout the gruelling ultra-marathon.
Despite financial challenges, Thabo was able to make the trip to KwaZulu-Natal thanks to the kindness of those around him.
ALSO READ: Kempton Runners ready for 2025 Comrades Marathon
'The only expense I covered was my race entry. Everything else — flights, shoes, accommodation — was sponsored.'
Looking ahead, Thabo is already planning for 2026.
He hopes to keep his charity donation link open year-round and dreams of representing Community Chest at the London Marathon.
'As soon as the 2026 Comrades date is announced, I'll be one of the first to enter. I plan to run it every year for as long as I can.'
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