While many see the Comrades Marathon as a personal test of will, for Mulalo and Michelle Mammburu, it is something else entirely – a lifestyle built on discipline, mutual accountability, and a brutally early alarm clock.
Mulalo (42), a Midrand-based accountant originally from Thohoyandou, has spent the past decade carving his way into the elite Green Number Club – a badge of honour reserved for those who complete 10 Comrades Marathons.
But for him, it is not just about medals or finish lines. "I'm not just running for medals anymore," he says. "I'm running toward a legacy."
After a tough debut in 2015 and a failed silver medal attempt in 2018, Mulalo bounced back with military precision. Since 2022, he has claimed a silver medal every year, including in 2025, when he clocked 7:24:26 in the 87.7 km down run – an eye-watering average of 4:57 minutes per kilometre.
What is his secret?
"It's not fancy gear or supplements. It's consistency – and Michelle. Running together makes it easier," Mulalo says. "Michelle and I have created a system. We wake up at 3:15, we train, we prepare, we recover. There's no room for excuses."
Michelle (39), who works in the petroleum retail industry, brings her own grit to the routine. She completed the same gruelling course in 11:45:08, averaging 7:51 minutes per kilometre.
The couple treats race day like a business trip: bags packed early, playlists locked – gospel music only – and zero distractions.
"It's not a holiday. It's work," Mulalo says flatly.
That no-nonsense attitude has not only transformed their bond but also sparked a running tradition between their clubs, Faranani and Fat Cats, known as the "Fara-Cats". Mulalo runs for Faranani Running Club, while Michelle runs for Fat Cats Running Club.
Though often labelled a "running power couple", Michelle and Mulalo do not buy into the hype. For them, it is about showing up – in running and in life. "It's not just love that keeps us going. It's structure. It's intention," says Michelle.
Michelle began running in 2014. Mulalo, a former cross-country athlete, first took up the sport in 1995 but took a break in 1999. He only returned to competitive running in 2013.