City of Johannesburg staffer and long-distance runner Vincent Seng has shown that resilience is just as important as endurance. After sustaining a leg injury in 2025, Seng defied the odds by completing the Comrades Marathon a week later in a time of 08:45:29. This year, he returned to the ultimate human race, shaving almost two hours off his time to finish in an impressive 06:53:22.

His best Comrades performance came in 2024, before his injury, where he placed 122 overall in an outstanding 06:29:54.

Seng is a Distribution Officer in Group Corporate and Shared Services (GCSS). He joined the City in 2007 as a contractor before being appointed as a general worker in Community Development in 2008. Seven years later, he had a stint as driver in CRUM: Region C, and also worked as a driver in Group Strategy, Policy Coordination, and Relations before his transfer back to GCSS.

Reflecting on his recovery, Seng says remembering his childhood kept him motivated. Raised in QwaQwa, he travelled 16km to and from school and ran almost everywhere as a child.

“I reminded myself that I can do better because running can take me far. Growing up, running was my motivation," he says.

Although he acknowledges that he is still working his way back to peak form, Seng remains determined. “I can see I'm getting older, and I don't have the same speed, but I will continue working hard and stay committed."

Seng has represented Gauteng at several races. In 2024, he was the first veteran in the South African half marathon. He finished sixth at the Cape Town Marathon and won the 50km Loskop Marathon.

He also expressed his appreciation to colleagues for their continued encouragement.

“Thank you to everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout my journey," he says, while giving special thanks to Pallay Gaamini for the motivation.

With his sights now set on two major races in Limpopo later this year, Seng is once again proving that setbacks can become the foundation for an even stronger comeback.

​Written by Brümilda Swartbooi 
23/07/2026
 
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