“When you start running you even forget that you are HIV positive”
Tshawe Sithile Nohaya is the Ferrari of the TAC Runners/Walkers for Health group. His pedigree includes a staggering 15 Comrades Ultra-Marathons, 10 Two Oceans Ultra-Marathons and many more, at least 300 races over his 18 year running career. Tshawe will be clearing the road for the TAC 42km bus, aiming to cross the finish line in under four hours. Not surprisingly this runner is going for gold, aiming to raise R10 000 for TAC at the Soweto Marathon. If you want to back a winning horse, this is the man to sponsor.
Q: Why do you run?
A: When I was growing up I used to love sport and playing soccer, but then I found out that I actually prefer running. Running keeps my mind and body healthy.
Q: Why is it personally important for you to run for TAC?
A: I want to motivate people especially those living with HIV to take care of themselves by exercising and keeping fit. Whether it is running or walking. When you start running you even forget that you are HIV positive or that you have problems.
Q: If you have to motivate other runners to run for TAC in what would you say to them?
A: Running is very important. It helps strengthens one’s body and mind. It’s also a new experience. You also get to meet with new people.
Q: If you had to choose one person to run with even if they are not a runner who would it be and why?
A: It would be Vuyiseka Dubula-Majola (fellow runner, a person living with HIV and member of the TAC Board of Directors).
You can sponsor Tshawe Sithile Nohaya online here: www.tac.org.za/donate
Background:
Back in 2012 the TAC formed a famous ‘bus’ in the Soweto Marathon made up of over 100 people. This helped a group of runners living with HIV to sing and run to the finish line of their first ever marathon. It was a victory on many levels. After that the TAC launched a group called “Runners and Walkers for Health” to promote running and walking as part of healthy living for people with HIV. This year the TAC has another group of runners living with HIV registered for the Soweto Marathon who will wear their distinctive HIV positive vests, sing as we run and hand out condoms and information about healthy living throughout the marathon.
The Soweto Marathon marks the start of a month long fundraising drive, which aims to raise much needed funds to continue the critical work of the TAC. A press conference on Monday 27th October at 2pm will take place to update the media on the marathon and the broader fundraising campaign. For more details contact Nosipho Kota – nosipho.kota@tac.org.za // 074 476 3857
