Sebabatso Mo-Hapi’s stars are rising

Sebabatso Mo-Hapi, a long-distance runner from Kimberley, Northern Cape, has dedicated her life to the pursuit of excellence on the road.

What started in 2016 as a casual attempt to join her friends on a run has grown into a powerful and inspiring journey, driven by an unbreakable competitive spirit and a passion for pushing boundaries.

Mo-Hapi’s first marathon took her over six hours to complete, but that initial challenge sparked a determination to improve. With her friends as both motivators and supporters, she embraced running wholeheartedly, and tells the DFA, “I caught the bug and never looked back.”

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Today, her dedication is unwavering. A typical week of training includes a one-hour morning session and a 30-minute evening session, Monday through Thursday, focusing on speed and hill training. Her Saturdays are reserved for long runs, while Sundays bring cycling for cross-training.

Mo-Hapi’s regimen is both intense and balanced, designed to keep her prepared for every challenge the road brings.

Like any ambitious athlete, Mo-Hapi has faced hurdles along her journey. One challenge is resisting the urge to participate in every race, which she admits can be financially draining. Over time, she’s learnt to prioritise major races, such as the Two Oceans and Comrades marathons, while also making it a goal to run across all nine provinces of South Africa.

Currently, as testament to her determination, only the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo await her feet.

Recently, Mo-Hapi achieved an extraordinary milestone by completing the Berlin and Chicago marathons, earning two ABBOT stars.

Now for those who don’t know, the Abbott World Marathon Majors is a series of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world run in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. And earning a star in even one of these races, as you may imagine, is a big deal.

Here’s the thing, Mo-Hapi’s Berlin and Chicago stars bring her ABBOT total to three, after she had completed the New York Marathon in 2023.

“I never thought I’d be chasing six stars. Now that I have three, I’m halfway to reaching my ultimate dream,” she told the DFA, visibly moved by her achievement.

She says that each marathon offered unique challenges and memorable moments. Berlin, with its elite runners and 50th anniversary celebrations, was particularly vibrant, including a birthday bash and an afterparty featuring South African artist Nomcebo performing ‘Jerusalema’. Mo-Hapi recalls the thrill of South Africans dancing along, making it a moment of cultural pride.

Chicago, on the other hand, stole her heart with its lively atmosphere and community support. “The support reminded me of the NYC Marathon,” she said, adding with a laugh, “I’d run the Chicago Marathon over and over again.” She says that Chicago offered unforgettable experiences, from attending a Maxwell concert to watching a Chicago Bulls game, all wrapped in the city’s vibrant energy.

Having come this far, and despite the demanding schedules and financial costs, Mo-Hapi remains focused on her goal of earning all six ABBOT stars. “It would mean the world to me,” she said, acknowledging the sacrifices she’s made along the way, including postponing personal projects and studies.

Her 2025 break will be dedicated to saving for the remaining three races, though she’s considering completing them as early as next year.

When asked about her future beyond the ABBOT stars, Mo-Hapi envisions running international races, not just ABBOT Majors.

Her love for travel and running fuels this dream and she plans to continue experiencing the world through the lens of a marathoner. Supported by travel agencies like Just Run Tours and Penthouse Travel, Mo-Hapi is confident her dreams will come true.

Mo-Hapi’s journey has been deeply influenced by her Kimberley community. The Kimberley Harriers Road Running Club, in particular, has been a significant support system. “This club has carried me over the years and is extremely proud of my achievements. I am humbled to be associated with the Kimberley Harriers Road Running Club,” she expressed, paying homage to her roots with the motto, “Once a Harrier, always a Harrier.”

For aspiring runners in small towns, Mo-Hapi has a message of hope loaded with possibilities.

“It is possible, it is achievable, and it can be done,” she says, offering herself as a mentor and guide for those eager to follow in her footsteps. She dreams of one day leading a team from the Northern Cape on this journey, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible.

As she sets her sights on the remaining ABBOT stars, Mo-Hapi’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, ambition, and the strength of community.

She is running for a dream, and her footsteps are lighting the way for future generations.