He’s done 36 Two Oceans, 27 Comrades… Let’s help Sidney Cleophas get to Boston Marathon!
Cleophas worked full-time as a technician at Telkom in Cape Town while bartending part-time to boost his income before retiring. After clocking 150 marathons, he's heading to Boston.
702 and CapeTalk's Africa Melane speaks to fitness presenter and mental health coach Liezel van der Westhuizen.
Listen below:
Sidney Cleophas's (66) story is one of true South African grit.
Cleophas worked full-time as a technician at Telkom in Cape Town while bartending part-time to boost his income before recently retiring.
Between all this, Cleophas also clocked over 150 marathons, including 36 Two Oceans (31 of these Two Oceans were done consecutively), and 27 Comrades finishes - one of only 22 runners in the world to achieve that.
His running career began unexpectedly in 1987, ignited by the awe of witnessing the Two Oceans Marathon. Since then, his love for the sport has only grown.
Now, he is lacing up for something new - his first international race: the world-renowned Boston Marathon, which he is self-funding.
"I was never a top runner or a good runner, I was a hardworking and disciplined runner. When I started my running career, there was no one to guide me..."
- Sidney Cleophas
Cleophas's passion for running began during high school, where he participated in athletics events like the 800m and 1500m.
At the time, he was an average runner, but it laid the foundation for what would become a long-term commitment to the sport.
Cleophas has been blessed to share 45 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Evon.
Together, they have two daughters, Lauren and Lynn. They also had a dearly loved son, Clint, whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 1999 when he was 19 years old.
Sidney's journey to the Boston Marathon is not just a personal dream but a testament to the power of perseverance.
Friends and family have launched a BackaBuddy campaign to help support his journey to Boston titled: 'Run Sidney Run.'
So, if you have something to spare, please donate to his campaign.
"It's an amazing story..."
- Liezel van der Westhuizen
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.