Siphelele Nketo
BORN and bred in Highflats, KwaZulu-Natal, Perfect Dlamini celebrated his outstanding performance at last month’s Comrades Marathon after he crossed the finish line in a time of 5:43.
It was a remarkable achievement in his journey of running.
The EG and Usher Memorial Hospital employee, based in Kokstad, shared his emotional experience at this year’s Comrades Marathon: “This year’s marathon was very close to my heart. In the past three years, I have been struggling with intermittent recurring injuries.” He shared that his target was to complete the race within six hours, and that was achieved through hard work and dedication.
“I am ecstatic that I have seen my dream turning into reality. I really love this marathon, and I don’t see myself hanging up my running shoes,” he added.
He has participated in the Comrades Marathons eight times, and currently belongs to the Hollywood Athletics Club and the #4 AM running group, based in Kokstad.
Having won various marathons in the country, Dlamini thanked his family, friends and colleagues for their support.
He mentioned that running was his method of feeling inspired, adding that when he runs, he forgets about everything and focuses only on the road ahead.
Apart from running, he trains new runners. Some of the runners in Dlamini’s coaching group are Xola Siphengana and Mzokuthula Tolo who won silver medals during this year’s Comrades Marathon.
