Loss and community support: A runner's story of resilience

Sibongile Somkhosi, from Makhaza and a member of the Khayelitsha Athletics Club, was in the final stages of training for what would have been his third Comrades Marathon when a fire destroyed his home.

Somkhosi, who views his fellow runners as a family working towards a shared goal, had been physically and mentally prepared for the nearly 90km race, known as the ultimate human test. The event demands months of preparation, with runners reaching peak condition in the final two weeks before race day.

A few months ago, after one of his last morning training runs, Somkhosi returned to find his house reduced to ashes. The fire destroyed all his possessions, leaving him only with the running apparel he was wearing. His home, which had been modest, was left in ruins, and his plan to compete in the Comrades Marathon came to an end.

In the months that followed, Somkhosi’s friends and fellow runners noted that he did not sink into bitterness or self-pity. Even while dealing with the loss, he continued to send messages of support to others in the running community as they prepared for their Comrades races. The running community rallied around him, helping him set up a new place to live.

“They showed me that what we do is not just running, it’s also about caring for one another,” he said.

He described the support as a lesson in the power of community.

“We all have our own different struggles in life, but when I was in a time of need, I saw people from my club and other running community members coming through to assist with what they can. This is something I cannot forget, because we usually uplift and motivate each other during races, and they were able to show me that kindness can extend further to help with life itself,” he said.

The fire prevented Somkhosi from competing in the Comrades Marathon, but he has returned to the sport and is preparing for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. He does not see this as a comeback, but rather a continuation of his running journey and a celebration of the community he finds comfort in.

“I do wish other people, especially men, could be able to see what a physical activity like running does for mental fitness,” he said.

“This is not just about putting one foot in front of the other, it is a mental test. I feel good and am able to keep going by putting myself through such an exhausting test.”

Somkhosi believes the lessons he has learned from running apply to everyday life. His favourite proverb, Umntu ngumntu ngabantu, meaning “a person is a person through other people,” is a philosophy he sees reflected in both sport and life. He says his training runs are a reminder that a person can be knocked down, lose everything, and still find the strength to keep moving forward — a lesson his community helped him live.