Long-distance runner makes triumphant comeback with Striders Race victory  

Langaville – After a six-year hiatus, Thabo Masina (26) returns to take his rightful place in long-distance running.

“I did not expect to win the race because I have never run 32km before,” he said after winning the 54th annual Striders Road Race.

Young and old hit the streets of Springs on Sunday morning for the run, which featured 5km, 15km and 32km routes.
Masina finished the race in 01:49:07.

“I am happy with my time. I was pleasantly surprised. I hope to do even better as the year progresses,” Masina said.

He says the highlight of his career was competing in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2017.

After that race, he suffered a lack of funding for an international competition.

“I stopped competing because I was discouraged. I felt like there was no point in me doing my best, and when I needed funds, the organisations that committed to assist me did not come to the table,” A explained.

But his love for running did not leave the Waterfall City Athletics Club.

“Running keeps me off the streets. I am often in the company of the people I train with, and we have similar goals. It keeps us focused,” he said.

Masina said he looks forward to representing SA soon. He has his sights set on the Boston Marathon in the US.

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