Siphamandla Maduna, the first runner with Cerebral Palsy to conquer the Comrades Marathon,
Image: Supplied
SIPHAMANDLA “Spha” Maduna, the first runner with cerebral palsy to conquer the Comrades Marathon, shares his inspiring journey of resilience and determination during Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
If you saw Maduna sipping a recovery shake after a morning session, you might just see another dedicated athlete obsessed with his split times, reported IOL.
You would see the lean muscle of a long-distance runner and the focused glint in his eyes that only 4am wake-up calls can produce.
However, look a little closer, and the surface story gives way to one that redefines South African grit.
Born and raised in the rolling hills of Ixopo, Maduna’s first "marathon" didn't happen on asphalt, it happened on the floor of his childhood home.
It took him two years just to master his first step.
For a child born with cerebral palsy, the world often suggests a life of "sitting out". But not for Maduna. He decided to run 90 kilometres instead.
As we step into Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, celebrated throughout March, Maduna isn't just a face for a cause; he is a force of nature.
In 2023, he did the "impossible", becoming the first runner with cerebral palsy to conquer the Comrades Marathon. But if you ask him, he’ll tell you he didn't run to be a hero; he started running because he wanted to lose a little weight and feel better.
Cerebral palsy, the most common lifelong physical disability, affects movement, coordination, and posture.
In South Africa, the estimated prevalence is 10 per 1,000 live births (1 in 100), which is roughly five times the global average. This disparity is largely driven by preventable factors such as birth asphyxia, which remains a leading cause in resource-limited settings.
For him, living with it has meant navigating a world designed for able-bodied individuals while pursuing his dreams with singular determination.
“Growing up, I didn’t understand why I was different,” he told Independent Media Lifestyle. “I attended a special needs school, but during holidays, watching others play sports while I sat on the sidelines was heartbreaking.”
Maduna’s love for running began as a quiet rebellion against his limitations. “Running was my way of saying I can, even when the world said I couldn't."
Last year, he became the first person with cerebral palsy to complete the Comrades Marathon, a gruelling 89-kilometre race that tests even the most seasoned athletes. That first race wasn’t just about finishing; it was about breaking barriers.
“I remember hitting Botha’s Hill, and it felt like my body was giving up. By the time I passed the Sherwood cutoff, I was so relieved I fell to the ground. But I knew I had to finish. It was bigger than me.”
For Maduna, training isn’t just a physical ordeal; it’s a mental and emotional battle. Long-distance runs push his body to its limits in ways most runners never experience. Cerebral palsy affects the way his brain sends signals to his muscles, sometimes causing him to trip during a run.
“Falling is tough,” he admits. There are moments when my brain forgets to tell my legs to keep moving, and I hit the ground. But the more I train, the better I get at managing it.”
His training regimen is intense: early morning runs, recovery sessions with his physiotherapist, and strength training to build endurance. “After a long run, I drink my recovery shake, take a bath, and make a second breakfast. Recovery is as important as the run itself, Maduna explains.
For him, the competition isn’t other runners; it’s himself. This year, he’s chasing a back-to-back medal, aiming for a Bill Rowan distinction on the Comrades Up Run, a feat requiring a finish time between 8:22 and 8:55.
“It’s not about proving anything to anyone,” he said. "It’s about proving to myself that I can push further while still enjoying the journey.”
As much as Maduna is an athlete, he’s also a fierce advocate for cerebral palsy awareness. He uses his platform to educate others, debunking myths and stereotypes about disability.
“People shout things like, ‘You’re so brave!’ during races. “But I’m not brave; I’m trained. There’s a difference.”
He also speaks openly about the mental toll of living with CP. “Mindset is everything. I have to think positively before, during, and after every run. Running is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one.”
Maduna credits much of his success to his family and his running club, Hollywood Athletics Club. “My mom and sister have been my biggest supporters. Even when they didn’t fully understand my decisions, they stood by me.”
His club has provided a safe, supportive space where he feels valued. “Running with them has made pushing my limits easier.”
While Maduna’s story is deeply personal, it’s also a call to action for systemic change. Cerebral palsy awareness in South Africa remains limited, and access to resources is often confined to urban areas.
For Maduna, this month is about much more than just rocking a green ribbon. He’s pushing for a deeper kind of understanding, the kind that turns "awareness" into actual inclusion.
"It’s not just about wearing a specific colour," he explains. It’s about building a world where people with disabilities don’t just exist but feel truly seen and supported."
Meanwhile, as he trains for yet another Comrades Marathon, Maduna’s real finish line remains far more significant than medals or ribbons.
He’s running to prove a point. "I want to show anyone living with a disability that you can chase your dreams without making excuses or asking for permission."
His mission is simple: to inspire a generation to be unapologetically ambitious, no matter the obstacles in their path.
When asked about his mindset for race day, he responded with: "Run strong, run smart, and enjoy the journey."