Thousands set off on ultimate human race
PIETERMARITZBURG - The 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon is here.
This is a 49th Down Run, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing 12 hours later at Durban's People's Park, covering approximately 89km.
As always, the Ultimate Human Race sees both professional athletes gunning for the win and thousands of members of the public who want to test their capabilities.
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The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Wanderers runner completes emotional 10th Comrades in memory of his father
When Conrad Walters, of Wanderers Club, crossed the Comrades Marathon finish line on June 8, it was not just the end of a race; it was the closing of a deeply personal chapter. This was his 10th Comrades, a milestone he had worked towards for years, but one he almost missed entirely. Read more: Watch: Comrades Marathon hero helps collapsed runner finish race Earlier this year, Walters lost both his father and uncle within days of each other. The grief was heavy. Training fell away. Motivation faded. But one thing stayed with him. He had to run this one for his dad. 'I knew I wasn't in my best shape. I had not trained the way I usually do, but I could not sit this one out,' he said. It was his slowest run to date and, without question, his hardest. He battled stomach issues, muscle cramps, and moments of doubt, but he kept going. 'This was the run I am most proud of,' Walters said. 'It was not about speed; it was about heart.' Having first run Comrades in 2013, he had intended to reach his 10th race in 2023. A severe asthma attack put that on hold, but he returned in 2025, with more grit than preparation, finishing with more emotion than ever before. For Walters, Comrades is not only about the elite runners at the front. It lives in the determination of everyday South Africans who strive to balance work, family, and daily life. It is in the kindness of strangers offering water, food, and cheers along the route, and it is in the unwavering support of those waiting at the finish line.'Sometimes,' he said, 'just getting to the start is the bravest thing you can do.' 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! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
11 hours ago
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Glen Hills runner reflects on incredible Comrades achievement
THIS year's Comrades Marathon provided an incredible feat of history as Louis Massyn became the first athlete to complete 50 Comrades Marathon. However, a little known fact is that there was another runner in that field of 20 000 who was also on the start line for the 50th time. Glen Hills David Williams was aiming to complete his 43rd Comrades finish. The Savages Athletics Club member, who crossed the finish line with just 10 seconds to spare from the final 12-hour cut-off received a Vic Clapham. Also read: Dijana, Steyn win Comrades Marathon titles The 73-year-old now has one Silver, 32 Bronze and 10 Vic Clapham medals to his name. What must be celebrated though is Williams' drive and determination to get across the finish line. Of his last eight Comrades runs, he had six that did not finish, but not for want of trying. For this year's race, Williams had failed to qualify at three marathons and only qualified on the last Comrades qualifier, the Durban International Marathon. Again a testament to his fortitude and self-belief, it would also come to describe his finish at this year's 98th Comrades Marathon where he crossed the finish line bent over. 'It was the most unusual experience I've ever had. I was coming down from Tollgate Bridge and picking up speed. I was feeling good and began to accelerate down the hill. At some point as I entered the Durban CBD I had a strange sensation where my legs were going, but my body wasn't coming with me. I spotted the 12-hour bus in front of me and suddenly my body began leaning forward. I kept kicking litter bins placed on the side of the road because I couldn't see. Also read: Northlands Primary School learner praised for embodying Comrades spirit 'As you can imagine I was bent over, with a cap on, so my line of vision was distorted. The closer I got to the finish line the lower I was bent over. Despite the help from a DHS Oldies runner and volunteers at the Community Chest water table to help set me back straight again, my body kept keeling forward. As I got nearer the finish line, which I imagined was the finish line because I couldn't see anything, I kept hearing crowds shouting 'go', 'go' 'don't stop here'. I kept running bent over and at some point I remember Alain Dalais, the general manager of the Comrades Marathon Association and a race official holding on to my arms. I never heard the finish gun but I did hear the crowd countdown the final 10 seconds. I was worried that I hadn't made it,' he said. Williams then made his way to the finish pen where race officials scan runner's bibs to determine what medal would be given. 'In my head I felt I hadn't finished. However, the incredible thing was the minute I began walking I was able to stand upright again. The lady scanned my bib and Vic Clapham. I wanted to say 'I think you made a mistake' but I held on to my medal. I was so pleased but shocked at the same time,' he said. While he is yet to decide on next year's Up Run, Williams said he is targeting the 100th running of the Comrades Marathon in 2027. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Wanderers veteran earns Comrades triple green number
Long-time Wanderers Athletics Club member Mark Hoffman crossed the finish line of his 30th Comrades Marathon on June 8, earning the coveted triple green permanent number, a milestone that reflects three decades of grit, sweat, and heart. Hoffman's running journey started with a dare at the Long Bar after a few pints back in 1993. What followed was a lifelong passion marked by over 165 marathons and ultra-marathons. Despite battling a foot injury this year, and painful blisters mid-race, he powered through the 87 gruelling kilometres from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Read more: Watch: Comrades Marathon hero helps collapsed runner finish race 'The race becomes incredibly tough around the 50km mark,' he said. 'But mind-power, and the support of fellow runners and spectators, carried me through.' Though Hoffman didn't run with fellow Wanderers members this year, he never felt alone. 'Over 30 years I've made so many friends, and every year, new ones too.' After 11 hours and 41 minutes on the road, Hoffman crossed the finish line with tears of joy, cheered on by his wife Estelle, his steadfast supporter for 23 of the 30 races. Now, looking ahead to the 100th Comrades in 2027 and his 30th Two Oceans, Hoffman says he might take a break, but his story is far from finished. 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! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
