Courageous athlete
Hero hopes to inspire others after life-changing accident
Leading Bay athlete Christopher Mabengeza will participate in the 5km event at this weekend’s SA half-marathon championships in Port Elizabeth on crutches, just two months after being knocked over by a vehicle.
Mabengeza would have been in the Eastern Province Athletics lineup for the 21.1km main race at Pollok Beach on Saturday in an event that will feature the cream of runners from across the country, Kenya, Lesotho and Ethiopia.
Instead, the courageous athlete will be competing in the 5km race – on crutches.
Two months ago a police vehicle en route to an accident crashed into Mabengeza, who was on a training run.
His right leg was so badly damaged his foot was hanging by the achilles tendon.
It ended the Nedbank Athletic Club athlete’s dream of winning the masters’ category in the Comrades Marathon in his 16th race.
“The Comrades was the last thing on my mind,” he said.
“I looked at my foot dangling and knew it would be amputated and I would never be normal again. It was as if my life had ended.”
However, a series of operations, including a trip to Groote Schuur Hospital, has seen him make steady progress.
In support of this remarkable athlete, Saturday’s championship organisers aim to promote safe and clean running.
As the ambassador for this year’s Run Safe campaign, Mabengeza will be attempting the 5km fun run supported by his running friends.
“Thanks to the doctors here [Livingstone] and Cape Town I can dream of running again one day, although it may take years,” Mabengeza said.
“Each day I walk between 600m and 1km on crutches.
“I am determined to cross the finish line. I am doing this to give hope to all those who have suffered setbacks. If there is life, there is hope.”
Lucky draw prizes will focus on high-visibility running clothing and accessories.
All participants are encouraged to bring their old running shoes to registration to contribute to the Mayoral Shoe Bank for distribution to underprivileged athletes.
The half-marathon starts at 7am and the 5km run at 9am.
Runners competing in the 21.1km race will need to complete two fast laps along the spectator-friendly beachfront.
There will be rolling road closures from 5.30am.
Participants can enter online at www.entrytime.com or at local sports shops before 5pm on Wednesday.
Registration and late entries take place at the Summerstrand Surf Lifesaving Club from 2pm to 7pm on Friday and from 5.30am on the morning of the race.
For more info, contact Mike Mbambani on 079-149-6796 or Alan Taylor on 083-658-0050.