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.'
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