Long-distance runner Rufus Photo is on a mission to find a new running club

Murray & Roberts, the previous sponsor of his running club, terminated their sponsorship in June. 

Photo, who is from Moletjie village in Limpopo, is a dedicated father of two, the 43-year-old athlete achieved an impressive fifth place at the Comrades Marathon in Durban. 

He completed the grueling ultra-marathon in his personal best time of 5 hours, 21 minutes, and 48 seconds.  

Throughout his running career, Photo has participated in eight Comrades Marathons, earning four gold medals and securing fifth-place finishes on three occasions.  In 202, he faced a setback when he was laid off from his position at a VW dealership due to the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

He joined Murray & Roberts four years ago, receiving a monthly stipend.  Now, without a club and a steady income, the dedicated athlete faces significant challenges in his journey as a full-time runner.

“I am reaching out to another club, seeking their support in signing me and enabling me to continue my running career while providing for my family. I remain hopeful that my search will lead me to a new running club soon. Since becoming unemployed running has become my sole focus as I strive to support my loved one. Losing my monthly retainer has profoundly impacted my circumstances, leaving me responsible for managing my expenses such as entry fees, accommodations, transportation, supplements, and without any financial assistance. I participated in the Comrades race as an opportunity to showcase my abilities and find a new team. Although my initial aim was to finish in the top three, I am content with securing a fifth-place finish. I kindly appeal to any club out there to consider extending an offer. I am a skilled runner, who consistently performs at the highest level, with a personal best of 2:19 in a 42.2km marathon,” Photo told SABC Sport.

According to Photo, despite proudly representing the province in the Comrades Marathon, he feels that the Limpopo Department of Sport fails to acknowledge his achievements.

However, he has resumed his training to participate in the upcoming 21.1km Fortress Running Series in Venda this Sunday. As a word of advice to the younger generation, he emphasizes the importance of school sports while prioritizing their studies.

“If you lack an option B plan, life can become challenging. What if an injury abruptly ends your career?   Education holds a significant value. Limpopo, as a stunning province, merely lacks the resources required to compete on equal footing with the other provinces. If the government can allocate the necessary resources, we will be able to match the skill and talent of athletes hailing from other provinces,” he concluded.