Kabelo’s drug-free marathon hits 15
10th Comrades the cherry on top
If he completes the Comrades Marathon next month, kwaito star turned athlete Kabelo Mabalane will have his name immortalised as part of a special group of runners.
This will be his 10th Comrades race since he broke the chains of addiction and went clean 15 years ago and he will be inducted into the Green Number Club.
“It’s a sense of pride that I have. The number I have been running with is mine forever. It’s just a great status symbol in the running community that only runners can understand.”
Mabalane said he had skipped only two marathons since 2006. “It’s a great milestone. To run 10 Comrades speaks of consistency. I’m glad that I have been consistent because of the benefits of health and wellness I have enjoyed.
“There have also been some business opportunities that have opened up for me. I’m a big advocate of the Comrades and I always say to people they have got to do it. Every South African must do it at least once in their life.”
Mabalane will be running as part of the anti-substance abuse social movement.
He will be joined by SABC Sport and the SABC Foundation to drive home the message.
This will also be part of the build-up to the international day against drug abuse on June 26 when a big partnership with various organisations will be launched.
Mabalane is encouraging communities to sign the antidrug petition.
“Running has helped me to stay clean. There is a void that occurs when you stop drugs and that lifestyle and you have to fill it with something constructive and running has been that for me.
“For people in recovery looking for something to do, they don’t need to look any further, running is an easy option.”