CONSTANCE TEBOGO SEOME: A TESTAMENT TO RESILIENCE AND CHARITY IN THE COMRADES MARATHON

By Precious Mupenzi

• In the annual Comrades Marathon, runners like Constance Tebogo Seome exemplify determination, resilience, and an unwavering spirit.
• As a dedicated social work supervisor for the North West Department of Social Development and an avid marathon runner, Seome balances her professional duties with her passion for running, using both to make a positive impact.
• Since her first run in 2011, Seome has participated in 11 Comrades Marathons, earning seven medals and embodying the values of perseverance and commitment, both on and off the racecourse.

In the annual Comrades Marathon, there are runners whose stories echo with determination, resilience, and a resolute spirit. One of them is a remarkable runner named Constance Tebogo Seome. Beyond her running shoes, she wears the hat of a dedicated social work supervisor within the North West Department of Social Development.

Seome, 52, hailing from Luka Village in Rustenburg, embodies these qualities with every stride she takes. “As a social worker, I have always believed in the power of collective action and making a difference in people’s lives. Running for charity allows me to combine my love for running with a greater purpose,” she shares.

As a proud representative of the Rustenburg Child and Youth Care Centre, Seome stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration among the 10 dedicated runners from her department. “My department has always supported me, and I am grateful for their encouragement as it fuels my passion and commitment year after year,” she affirms.

Despite the rigours of training and the occasional setback of injuries, Seome finds solace and strength in her role as a social work supervisor. “My work gives me purpose, and running keeps me grounded,” she says.

Since her inaugural run in 2011, Seome has become a committed runner of the Comrades Marathon, with this year marking her remarkable 11th participation in the iconic race. “Each year, the Comrades Marathon presents a new challenge, a new opportunity to push myself beyond my limits,” she remarks.

With seven hard-earned medals adorning her collection, Seome’s journey is not just about personal achievement but about the friendships and memories created along the way. “Running has taught me resilience and perseverance. It is about never giving up, no matter the obstacles,” she says.

Among her many accolades, Seome fondly recalls her triumph in the gruelling up run, a feat she accomplished in an impressive 11 hours and 4 minutes. “That moment, crossing the finish line after conquering those five hills, is indescribable,” she recalls.

Seome acknowledges the tribulations she has faced, including the infamous year of 2013. “The weather was brutal that year, but quitting was never an option. I knew I had to finish, not just for myself but for everyone who believed in me,” she says.

Despite the harshness of training and the occasional setback of injuries, Seome finds solace and joy in the rhythm of her footsteps. “Running is my refuge, my escape from the chaos of the world. In the end, it is not about the medals or the records,” she concludes.