Keep running mama!..56-year-old female marathon runner defies odds Fatima Hassin

Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter

Fifty six-year-old road running athlete Fatima Hassin is inspiring people of all ages with her passion for marathon running. Hassin’s recent achievement includes winning the CBZ Master Female category of a 42-kilometre race in Harare with a time of 03:59:19, which qualified her for the Comrades Marathon in June. 

Despite suffering from injuries along the way, the Bulawayo athlete has been consistent in her training and believes in listening to her body. 

“Do something small every day, instead of hard long runs once a week,” she says.

Fatima Hassin

Running is not a source of livelihood for Hassin but a passion that started in her primary school days. She encourages young people to start running early and take advantage of the sport’s health benefits. 

“Get out and start enjoying the sport now while you have the strength and energy. I would like to continue running for as long as my body allows me to as I have seen other Master runners up to 80+ years running in races,” Hassin told Saturday Chronicle. 

“I would like to run in international races like the Marathon Majors if I can afford the expense, as that is a major drawback.”

Hassin started running in 2017 after meeting a friend on her way to register for the PPC Marathon. She initially planned to run in the 5-kilometre race but ended up taking the 10-kilometre one, which she had never done before. She later took part in the 21-kilometre race during the Econet-Victoria Falls marathon and never looked back.

Hassin is fortunate to have achieved her current level of running despite her age and injuries. 

“I have no trick. I have been very fortunate that I have been able to run well even though I have had some injuries along the way which have put me out for some months but generally I keep strong. I believe in consistency. That is what makes a runner a better runner, do something small every day, instead of hard long runs once a week. I also believe in resting. You need to listen to your body if you are feeling under the weather. Take a rest and sleep and watch TV. You will come back stronger for it,” she says.

“This year I am hoping to better my last years’ time of 10 hours 14 minutes (at the Comrades Marathon), second option is to equal and the worst case is to just finish as we are never guaranteed as injury or other running misfortunes can happen on race day. But I love the Comrades race and the atmosphere and the vibe and I have made many friends from running Comrades.

“However, I must admit I love the training for Comrades. It’s not for the faint hearted. Long hours of running and keeping strong, doing strength work and making sure to eat right and sleep enough. It’s a hard balancing act as I work full time but I get up and put my kilometres in before work and I know I am happier for it,” she says. Hassin is aware of the challenges of balancing full-time work with training, but she is happy to put in the hours. 

“I am an avid social runner. I am not professional as I don’t take up marathon running as my livelihood. I am only fortunate that I am able to train and I have a passion for the sport. I have always been a sporty person right from primary school where I did track and field. My main events were long jump and hurdles. I only took up marathon running as I am now too old for track and field and Zimbabwe does not have a Master league for track and field.

Running is an important way of keeping healthy and Hassin encourages young people not to wait for too long to enjoy the advantages that come with the sport.

“To the young ladies and gentlemen, if you have a passion for this sport don’t wait till you are 52 like me to take it up. Start enjoying the sport now while you have the strength and energy to get the most satisfaction out of our sport and people my age don’t feel embarrassed to walk or run or take up a sport of your choice for the good of your own health. Get out and do something whenever you can. Your health is personal,” she said. -@brandon_malvin

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