Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
FOR most runners, the Comrades Marathon is about pushing the body to its limits, chasing personal bests, finishing medals and the pride of conquering one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world.
But for Simbisai Mutandi, this year’s race is about something far bigger than himself. When he lines up for his fifth Comrades Marathon, every step he takes over the gruelling 90km distance will carry a purpose — to raise awareness and support for children living with autism.
What started as a deeply personal running journey has now grown into a mission to change lives.
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong condition that affects how a person understands the world, communicates and interacts with others. It is not an illness, but a different way of thinking and experiencing life.
For Simbisai, this cause is close to home. His love for running began during a difficult time in his life. Searching for something to fill an emotional gap, he found himself drawn to people running in the streets.
“That is where the passion was born,” he said. “It was a journey till I got to long-distance running.”
Years later, in 2017, he watched the Comrades Marathon on television — and something clicked.
“I thought to myself, ‘Wow, I wonder how I would feel among them.’ I researched and learnt it was 90km and it challenged me to better myself.”
That moment changed everything.
Today, he returns to the iconic race not just for personal achievement, but to inspire others.
“Gruelling as it may be, I return yearly because of the inner feeling that I’m inspiring someone to change their lives physically, emotionally and in fitness,” he said. “From my first Comrades to now, I’ve directly or indirectly inspired others to start running.”
But this year, the meaning behind his run has deepened.
While spending time with his seven-year-old nephew, who enjoys walking with him, Simbisai was confronted by a reality he had not fully understood before.
The child had been diagnosed with autism.
“Sadly he was diagnosed with autism, so he can’t fully enjoy what I’m enjoying with running,” he said. “Also, the condition is not really recognised in society. It was then the desire to run for autism came about.”
The experience changed how he saw the world.
“Though it was at my doorstep, I didn’t understand much,” he admitted. “I thought autism was the same for everyone and that all affected children had the same diagnosis. Through research and interaction, I learnt that every child is different.”
He also came to realise how deeply misunderstood autism is in many communities.
“Society has stigmatised autism,” he said. “They think autism is a curse, a Western illness or a sign of weak genetics from the woman’s side.”
For Simbisai, running is now a platform to challenge those beliefs and spark conversations.
“As Zimbabweans, we need to understand autism so we can get help for those diagnosed,” he said. “It can also help our leaders allocate funds to assist parents with autistic children.”
Through this year’s Comrades Marathon, he is raising funds in partnership with the Sir Humphrey Gibbs Training Centre and the Lions Club of Matopos — organisations that support children with special needs.
Sir Humphrey Gibbs Training Centre plays a critical role in helping children with autism and other challenges, but it struggles with limited resources.
“They are facing many challenges because of lack of resources to cope with the demands the children need,” Simbisai said. “They are a public centre where many parents can come and get help.”
While Lions Club of Matopos is assisting to broaden the campaign and support fundraising efforts.
For Simbisai, this race is not just about crossing the finish line. It is about changing how people see autism.
“I’m hoping people will not see a runner but an advocate trying to amplify a cause affecting children and society silently,” he said.
And for him, this mission will not end when the race is over.
“The journey will forever move with me as I’m not stopping after Comrades,” he said. “In 2027 I have many other projects lined up for awareness and championing the cause forward.”
When the race gets tough — and it always does — he already knows what will keep him going.
At Comrades, the real battle begins long after the 90km mark, when legs burn, bodies ache and the mind starts to doubt. But Simbisai will be running for something greater than pain.
“I will be thinking of those children that could be in my place but autism has limited them,” he said.
For him, victory this year will not be measured by time or position.
“This year’s Comrades will be special if I see the cause touch and change lives and mindsets.”
Because for Simbisai Mutandi, this is no longer just a marathon.
It is a journey of purpose, pain, hope — and the belief that every step can help change a life.
