By Thate Msimango
At the age of 42, Simon Tshabalala has defended his Skyrun trail running title and proved to many that it is never too late in life to change paths.
After building a career as a road athlete, Tshabalala has switched to trails and the decision has proved to be a masterstroke.
The Free State-born athlete successfully defended the Skyrun 100km title this year after winning it for the first time last year. The race is considered one of the toughest in Southern Africa.
“I never predicted that I would make a mark in trail running so early. I’m stuck with trail for good now,” said Tshabalala, who runs in the colours of Run Zone Athletics Club.
“When I started trail running I told myself I must be good. I’m happy I have managed to win the Skyrun twice.”
Tshabalala has run the Comrades Marathon twice and achieved his best time of 6:48:25 in 2018. He is coached by legendary trail runner Lucky Miya.
“I think to be mentored and coached by Lucky is a blessing. He has a lot of experience in the sport and his guidance helps me a lot,” said Tshabalala, who also won the 2020 Skyrun 65km race.
“We have a good understanding so it is so easy to take instructions. I’m very much open to him about everything. I don’t think there was ever a time when we didn’t see eye to eye.”
Despite being sidelined due to injury, Tshabalala had strong performances including finishing second in the Drakensberg 160km Ultra-Trail race.
Pictured above: Simon TshabalalaImage source: @ K-WaySkyrun
