MUDZUNGA LOOKS FORWARD TO COMPETING IN HIS 10TH COMRADES MARATHON

By Tendamudzimu Goza

• Simon Mudzunga, an Assistant Director in the Budget Control Unit, discovered his passion for running in primary school. Despite a focus on academics in high school, he returned to running in 2002, starting with a 10km event.
• Simon faced a setback during his first Comrades Marathon when he was disqualified for arriving late. However, this did not deter him, and he has since completed eight more Comrades Marathons, earning a medal for each race.
• Now looking forward to his 10th Comrades Marathon, Simon aims to earn his ninth medal this year and plans to run again next year to achieve his tenth medal, which will grant him the prestigious Green Number.

The Comrades Marathon, an ultramarathon of approximately 88 km (about 54.68 miles), is run annually in KwaZulu-Natal province between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

With the countdown to this famous event just two days away, thousands of qualified runners are making their final preparations. Among the ten employees from the Department of Social Development participating this year is 47-year-old Simon Mudzunga, an Assistant Director in the Budget Control Unit.

Simon’s passion for running began in primary school. “My passion for running started when I was very young and still in primary school. However, when I went to high school I only focused on my schoolwork,” he said.

His first professional race was a 10km (about 6.21 miles) event in 2002. Initially, Simon was hesitant to tackle the longest races, opting instead for shorter distances. However, after completing these smaller races, he realised his body was capable of more, inspiring him to pursue longer distances.

“My main reason for running is to build my body and make it stronger and healthier,” said Simon.

This motivation led him to participate in a 42km (about 26.1 miles) Wally Hayward race in 2012. The following year, he entered his first Comrades Marathon, where he finished but was disqualified for arriving late. Despite this setback, Simon was proud of his achievement and encouraged to continue. He has since competed in eight more Comrades Marathons, finishing each on time and earning a medal for each race.

Now, Simon looks forward to his 10th Comrades Marathon, aiming for his ninth medal this year. He plans to run again next year to earn his tenth medal, which will grant him the prestigious Green Number, a permanent race number awarded to runners who complete ten races.

“My advice to those representing the Gauteng Department of Social Development in the Comrades Marathon is not to lose focus and not to mimic the pace of other runners during the race. Stick to the pace you are used to during training to successfully finish the race,” Simon advises.

Simon’s dedication and perseverance serve as an inspiration to his colleagues and fellow runners, demonstrating the rewards of commitment and hard work.