Port Elizabeth veteran long-distance athlete Christopher Mabengeza is back on the road after suffering a horrific car accident that almost ended his career.
Mabengeza laced up his running takkies last Saturday to take part in the Bay Ultra 21km, his first distance race since the accident.
The 52-year-old finished fifth at the Bay Ultra after crossing the finish line in one hour, 45 minutes and one second.
He said the result had been a huge boost.
“This was my first race since my car accident last year in May,” Mabengeza said.
“The race was part of my qualification for the Two Oceans. I won’t be doing any 56km for now, I’ll be doing halfmarathons only.
“I wanted to get my qualification time and also prepare my mindset to know that I have that endurance. I have reached my goal because I wanted to run five minutes per kilometre, but at least I ran a second faster every kilometre because I ran 4:59 per km.”
On May 22 in 2018 a police vehicle en route to an accident crashed into Mabengeza , who was on a training run.
His right leg was so badly damaged his foot was hanging by the achilles tendon.
It ended the Nedbank Athletic Club athlete’s dream of winning the masters category in the Comrades Marathon in his 16th race.
“I stayed in Livingstone Hospital for three weeks before they transferred me to Cape Town for a skin draft and I had to under go six operations.
“The doctor never confirmed that I would not be running again, but it’s the mindset that has me back on the road.
“I am still busy with physiotherapy. For now I am only doing short distances.
“I will miss out on this year’s Comrades Marathon again. Only when I am fully recovered will I go back to the long distances – around 2020.”
The father of two said he was happy with his progress so far.
“I am on the road to recovery now. I I am happy with my progress so far. Having reached my target at the Bay Ultra motivated me this year.”
Irene van Eeden, manager of the Nedbank AC and vice-president of Eastern Province Athletics, said Mabengeza had been a huge inspiration to fellow athletes and those who supported him through his recovery process.
“Basically from the minute the accident happened he has been positive. He has never complained. He has never been angry and that has obviously helped him with recovery. It has also encouraged people to help him ,” Van Eeden said.
“We are grateful to the hospital staff who managed to get him to the doctor in Cape Town who did the operation. Through the help of a local doctor he received a referral to a physiotherapist and that has been an life-changer for him.
“His determination, his strong character and his will to come back have been absolutely amazing. It is an inspiration to a lot of people who look up to him and support him.”