Running the Comrades Marathon at 61

Age is Just a Number—At 61 years old and standing tall at 1.9 meters, Thabo Hlako prepares for the biggest race of the year, the Comrades Marathon in South Africa. Thabo reflects on his journey and the incredible inspiration he has found along the way. With an estimated completion time of 7 hours, his motto, “Now we can do it,” resonates deeply with his belief in perseverance and faith.

Choosing EasyEquities Born2Run
Thabo’s journey with EasyEquities Born2Run began when Nuno scouted him. The name “Born2Run” struck a chord with Thabo, aligning perfectly with his belief as a Christian that he is born to run. The club’s warm and friendly atmosphere made it an easy choice among other options, and Thabo is confident he chose the right time to join this supportive community.



A Veteran 
Having completed six Comrades marathons, with his fastest time being 7:01, Thabo is no stranger to the grueling demands of this race. Among all his races, the Soweto Marathon in 2018 stands out as the best. Finishing it in 2 hours and 51 minutes remains a proud achievement for him.

Unlike many runners, Thabo doesn’t follow a specific training program. Instead, he relies on his own routines. His diet is simple yet effective—he eats healthily with lots of chicken and vegetables, avoiding any strict regimen.

The Thrill of the Race
The Comrades Marathon holds a special place in Thabo’s heart. While he aims to beat his previous time, he isn’t putting undue pressure on himself. Completing the race in 7 hours would be a significant achievement. The most daunting aspect of this race is the down run, which is notoriously hard on the joints and poses a considerable risk.



Strength in Faith
Thabo’s faith is his greatest strength. As a Christian, prayer is integral to his preparation and sustenance throughout each race. He wakes up at 3:30 AM every morning to pray and run, trusting in God to keep him safe. This spiritual routine is the bedrock of his endurance and resilience.

In his professional life, Thabo works as a supervisor at a warehouse manufacturing raw materials for engineering. His spare time is dedicated to teaching the Word of God and participating in church activities. His commitment to his faith and community keeps him grounded and fulfilled.

Lessons from Running
Running has imparted invaluable life lessons to Thabo. It has taught him patience, endurance, and sharpened his listening skills. The discipline and mental clarity he has gained from running have been transformative, extending beyond the track into all aspects of his life.

Running and Investing
For Thabo, the parallels between running and investing are striking. Success in both arenas demands consistency. Just as consistent training leads to running achievements, consistent investing or saving builds financial success.



While Thabo is often asked to coach children or others in his community, his dedication to church work and personal running leaves little time for additional commitments. His journey continues to inspire him, and he hopes it does the same for others, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to pursuing one’s passions and achieving greatness.