
No deaths at 2025 Comrades Marathon – association after fake news spreads
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has slammed reports alleging two runners had died at this year's event.
According to Northglen News, in a statement, CMA general manager Alain Dalais said some digital media outlets and accounts had reported the deaths, further alleging the deaths were confirmed by Comrades officials.
'The CMA and its medical team can confirm that no deaths have been recorded at the 2025 event. As can be expected from an event of this nature and size, there were some cases of runners being transferred to hospital from the route, for various medical reasons. The CMA medical, emergency, safety and health protocols are excellent, and focused on the safety of all runners,' he said.
Dalais added that the association distances itself from any fake news or rumours doing the rounds.
'The CMA suggests that our community rely on reputable sources for information, starting with our own channels,' he added.
In 2022, a Hollywoodbets Athletics Club runner, Mzamo Mthembu, collapsed on the Comrades Marathon route near Pinetown and died after being taken to hospital.
Also read: Comrades runner reported missing found near Durban harbour in serious condition

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
City of Ekurhuleni Athletic Club celebrates Comrades medals and milestones
Members of the City of Ekurhuleni Athletic Club did their city and club exceptionally proud at the Comrades Marathon. This year's race, held on June 8, covered 89.98km, and was a down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The club was represented by 36 athletes at the 98th edition of the marathon. They were accompanied by a support team, who ensured the runners had a positive and memorable race day experience, and Ward 76 Clr Thulani Simelane. Twenty-six athletes completed the race, with five not finishing and five recorded as not started. The club's athletes bagged 26 medals – one silver, seven Bill Rowan (bronze centre with silver ring), two Robert Mtshali (titanium), eight bronze, and eight Vic Clapham (copper). The athletes and their times were: • Kamogelo Phogole: 7:14:39 (personal best and club record) • Mokgalong Nchabeleng: 7:55:50 (personal best) • Hoffney Tjiane: 8:11:57 • Humbulani Makhari: 8:16:06 (personal best) • Tshepo Ntswane: 8:46:27 • Kwena Mangala: 8:50:50 • Lucky Bosogo: 8:54:55 • Noko Matlou: 8:58:05 (personal best) • Eric Simina: 9:05:40 (personal best) • Leshisa Dhlamini: 9:53:51 • Sepitle Leshilo: 10:19:39 • Bonginkosi Mabala: 10:23:10 • Thato Mamabolo: 10:23:58 • Sibusiso Langa: 10:25:29 • Patrick Sentsho: 10:32:42 • Moemisi Tabane: 10:32:42 • Mamapote Mohube: 10:38:44 • Special Mhlanga: 10:41:30 • Menelisi Ndlamlenze: 11:01:27 • Kedibone Msiza: 11:26:30 • Amelia Masola: 11:39:31 • Mdumiseni Mkhize: 11:41:51 • Rudi Abrahams: 11:46:49 • Thabang Moloto: 11:53:44 • Lufuno Monyai: 11:56:55 • Phumzile Magagula: 11:59:33 For Dalpark resident Sepitle Leshilo, this was his 11th Comrades Marathon. Last year, the 57-year-old was the recipient of a Green Number, which signifies that a runner has completed 10 or more races. This achievement earns runners a permanent race number they can use in future races. The Green Number Club is an exclusive group that recognises and honours these dedicated runners. Another of the club's athletes, Patrick Sentsho, received his Green Number this year. It is a double win for Sentsho as he is also celebrating his 50th birthday this month. 'Congratulations to all the citizens, and special thanks to the supporting team,' said the club's marketing manager, Noko Matlou. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Roosevelt Park firefighters conquer Comrades
Two firefighters from the Franklin Roosevelt Park Fire Station have once again proven their mettle, completing the gruelling 2025 Comrades Marathon for the second time. Read more: Watch: Comrades Marathon hero helps collapsed runner finish race This year's down run, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, proved to be a different beast altogether, testing their limits in unexpected ways. Mphekgo Leshalabe crossed the finish line in 10:30:00, earning himself a bronze medal, however, despite the medal, he admitted this year's experience was tougher than his previous uphill run. 'I did not expect a down run to be that difficult,' he confessed. 'Normally, they would say a down run is more difficult than an up run, and I experienced it myself in the marathon. The down run is difficult because I has a lot of injuries. I had blisters and the pain was unbearable on my left foot.' He paid respects to the marathon, adding that it is a different race on its own. 'It is not called the ultimate human race for nothing, finishing the race alone is something else, let alone getting the medal.' Also read: Dabulamanzi Canoe Club paddlers fish out the medals at the ICF World Marathon Championships in Metkovic, Croatia While the reward of finishing was sweet, Leshalabe fell short of his goal of achieving a Bill Rowan medal, coming in under nine hours, setting his sights higher for next year. His teammate, Tendani Nemalamangwa, shared the same experience, finishing in 10:07:00, also securing a bronze, stating that it was a challenge running in this years marathon. 'It was my second down run, so I thought I was going to do better than my first one, but it was just harder. I just think that I have to train more on down runs, but, if I was to choose, I would choose up run, which is much easier.' He emphasised the need for a holistic approach to the race, highlighting nutrition, endurance, and mental resilience as key factors. For him, the Comrades is about overcoming his limits and achieving personal milestones. He plans to focus on increased mileage to improve his performance in future races. Platoon Commander Otsile Kobue applauded the two firefighters for their incredible achievement. 'We are proud of their dedication, commitment, perseverance, and strength. They are an inspiration to all of us.' Their experiences show how even the most seasoned of runners can be challenged by the unpredictable nature of the ultimate human race. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Soweto Marathon back from the brink of collapse At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
‘I never gave up': Springs SAPS officer earns coveted Green Number at Comrades Marathon
The Springs SAPS and the local CPF congratulated four of their officers who participated in the 2025 Comrades Marathon in Durban. Captain Sagathavan Pather, Constable Halalisani Dlomo, Sergeant Jabulani Nkwinka, and Sergeant Mmeselane Ramoshu represented the station on Sunday. Pather was running his 15th Comrades Marathon and had already completed 10 races. This year, he was awarded the prestigious Green Number, given to runners who complete 10 Comrades Marathons. Pather told the publication that he was happy with his achievement and that his team was there to share in the moment. He said his running journey began in 1993, but he gave up and only returned in 2000. That year, he ran the Comrades but did not finish, which demotivated him. He made another attempt in 2010, but again failed to complete the race. 'My dad is the one who got my brothers and me into running. But because there were so many of us, he couldn't afford running shoes for all of us, so we ran barefoot. I always told myself that I would finish one day, and I never gave up on that dream of getting a medal,' he said. Pather returned in 2011, determined to earn a medal — and that year, he completed his first Comrades Marathon, finishing in 11 hours and 43 minutes. He said that getting the Green Number had been his goal since the day he returned in 2011. Despite the challenges and doubts he faced along the way, Pather said: 'Getting the Green Number is like reaching a new milestone. My aim was just to get one and be done. But the next day, I woke up saying, 'I need to get another Green Number,' because I've seen people older than me achieving them.' Pather was the first officer in Springs to participate in the marathon in 2011, which led him to recruit other officers to follow suit. He said that officers would often ask what he did to stay fit, and he would encourage them to run. Pather added that balancing work, training, and a social life is difficult, but discipline is key. ALSO CHECK: VLU-lede hoor van die verskil tussen mans en vroue by maandelikse vergadering 'We were fortunate to have a management team that understood our love for running. When I asked for time to train, there was some hesitation, but in the end, we were lucky to get Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays off,' he said. One of the officers recruited by Pather was Sergeant Ramoshu. Ramoshu joined the Comrades in 2022 and earned his first bronze medal. He said he became part of the team after he hung up his boots following many years of playing soccer. 'Soccer was my main sport, but at the age of 45, I realised the younger players were too fast for me. I stopped playing but noticed I was gaining weight. I started using our fitness facility, and that's when I was told there was a running club. I joined soon after,' said Ramoshu. Ramoshu earned his first Bill Rowan medal (silver) on Sunday after finishing in his personal best time of eight hours, 56 minutes. He said that when he saw his time, he couldn't believe it because he hadn't expected to achieve that goal. He added that Dlomo was beside him most of the way, but he had to pick up the pace to secure the medal. 'When I got the medal, I was so happy. It made me realise that my new goal is to earn only silver medals from now on,' said Ramoshu. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!