POLOKWANE – Casious Nkuna is known in South African running circles for two things: finishing the Comrades Marathon and running hundreds of kilometres to put shoes on children’s feet.
‘One Man, One Mission’ initiative
The Mzansi Athletics Club runner and philanthropist started his ‘One Man, One Mission’ initiative to support underprivileged learners in Limpopo.
For the past four years, he has used solo long-distance runs to raise funds and awareness, turning kilometres into school shoes for children who would otherwise go without. Nkuna told Polokwane Observer that he has completed the Comrades Marathon four times: in 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
His personal best came on the 2019 up run, where he finished in 11:18:34.
It was a result that came after an unexpected start to ultra-distance running. “I ran my first Comrades Marathon in 2018 by mistake or should I say ‘by default’, after coach Lufuno Mudau invited me for a Saturday long run. Before the invite, I’d never done anything more than 21.1km,” Nkuna said.
From chance entry to Comrades finisher
During that training run, Nkuna explained that a fellow runner realised he was not yet ready for Comrades and offered him his entry instead.
“He approached me and said; ‘I’m giving away my entry if you’re interested, you can have it for free. Here are login details, you can do a substitute.’ Taking a risk, I immediately grabbed the opportunity with both hands,” Nkuna said.
From that first 21.1km race, Nkuna qualified for the Comrades on his first attempt at the marathon distance.
“The 2018 race ended at 81km after I was cut off, but the experience pushed me to come back stronger. I returned twice a day for training ahead of the 2019 race, which became my best Comrades to date.”
Running for impact beyond sport
Outside of race season, Nkuna said he focuses on his charity runs.
What began as a route from Turfloop to Seshego has now expanded to a run from Mokopane to Polokwane, representing both his city and province. “The goal remains the same: to provide school shoes for learners from underprivileged backgrounds,” he said.
In March 2026, Nkuna completed his fourth annual run and delivered 60 pairs of new school shoes to children in need.
“The runs are about more than charity. They are a way to connect communities and show what is possible when sport is used for a purpose beyond personal achievement.”
As an active member of Mzansi AC and a familiar pacer for the #Da G-Power Bus, Nkuna has already qualified for the 2026 Comrades Marathon. He will be chasing his fifth finish on June 14.
“I’m looking forward and also hope to set my new personal best on June 14,” he said.
For Nkuna, each race adds to a longer mission.
Whether on the road between towns in Limpopo or on the Comrades route, he continues to use running as a way to create opportunities for children who need them most.
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www.citizen.co.za
