By: Farai Diza
Siya Mqambeli, one of three South Africans sponsored for a once in a lifetime opportunity to run in the Virgin Money London Marathon, finished the race in 36th position overall early this month.
Overcoming financial constraints and the impacts of recent crime, the three undertook their first ever trip overseas and excelled in their opportunity to participate in a high profile international marathon abroad.
32 year old Mqabeli who lives in Soweto finished in a time of 2;29;27, becoming the first South African man to cross the line and achieving his dream of placing well in a high profile international event. compatriots Patrick Kanyane placed 176th in a time of 2:41;36 despite having been injured only weeks before and Joshua Mathebula placed 908th in a time of 3:04;17.
“This is a lifetime opportunity every runner would like to be offered. It has always been my dream to run in the world’s biggest marathon like the London marathon where I will get to experience running with the world’s best athletes. Being unemployed since January 2013 and struggling to find work, I decided to take my running seriously and getting an opportunity to run the London Marathon was a unique opportunity for me to shine on an international level,” said Mqabeli.
The three were sponsored by Virgin Money South Africa in association with Adidas who supplied the team with running kits while Virgin Active sponsored two months training in a club of their choice.
Overcoming financial constraints and the impacts of recent crime, the three undertook their first ever trip overseas and excelled in their opportunity to participate in a high profile international marathon abroad.
32 year old Mqabeli who lives in Soweto finished in a time of 2;29;27, becoming the first South African man to cross the line and achieving his dream of placing well in a high profile international event. compatriots Patrick Kanyane placed 176th in a time of 2:41;36 despite having been injured only weeks before and Joshua Mathebula placed 908th in a time of 3:04;17.
“This is a lifetime opportunity every runner would like to be offered. It has always been my dream to run in the world’s biggest marathon like the London marathon where I will get to experience running with the world’s best athletes. Being unemployed since January 2013 and struggling to find work, I decided to take my running seriously and getting an opportunity to run the London Marathon was a unique opportunity for me to shine on an international level,” said Mqabeli.
The three were sponsored by Virgin Money South Africa in association with Adidas who supplied the team with running kits while Virgin Active sponsored two months training in a club of their choice.
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