Runner aims to finish Comrades Marathon in daytime
'My second comrades, my first down run. I've been running for a total of three years. In that time, I have completed races successfully,' said Lakhraj.
Apart from the Comrades, Lakhraj has completed two Two Oceans Marathons as well as the Cape Town Marathon twice.
'My father-in-law, Vis Padayachy, has a double green number in Comrades and has been a driving force in getting me to participate in the ultimate human race.
'However, my true inspiration is my wife and children. As a parent, I would like my children to see the sacrifice and hard work that goes into the preparation to conquer this challenge and for them to know that anything is possible with hard work and determination,' he added.
Also read: 26 DUT staff, students, alumni to take on Comrades Marathon
'It's my second year running in support of the Community Chest. The Community Chest has done an excellent job in supporting early childhood development. If we can make a difference to one child's life, we can change the direction of society. Using the Comrades is an ideal time to create awareness for such a noble cause. My legacy that I can leave for my children is that I advocated to make a difference, and no matter who they are, they can make a difference too.'
Lakhraj's diet and way of life are pretty simple. He believes that if one expects their body to perform at its best, one has to consume the best. 'A balanced diet, trying to keep it clean, with a cheat now and then.'
Being a newcomer in the down run, his wish is to finish the race within the cut-off time, and even better would be to finish in the daytime.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and 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!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
08-08-2025
- IOL News
Gerda Steyn: South Africa's road running star
Gerda Steyn, South Africa's leading road running star and multiple Comrades and Two Oceans Marathon champion, is training for a major race, likely the Cape Town Marathon as the year winds Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers If there's one name that is synonymous with SA road running at the moment, it has to be Gerda Steyn. The 35-year-old is at the peak of her powers and is the undisputed Queen of SA road running, and has been for some time. The four-time Comrades Marathon and six-time Two Oceans Marathon champion is always the favourite when she lines up in a race in South Africa when it's 42km and above. The Smiling Assassin also competes strongly for South Africa when she competes abroad, having also held the SA record in the marathon until recently when Glenrose Xaba set the new mark in October 2024. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Steyn's Phenomenal Speed and Endurance: From 5km to 90km Success Still, the fact that Steyn can compete with the best runners in the country in any distance from 5km to 90km is nothing short of phenomenal. It's also the reason why she's been so successful; Steyn has the speed to go with that endurance. That's why Steyn has been so prolific since she burst onto the scene with her first Two Oceans title in 2018.
IOL News
04-07-2025
- IOL News
Hollywoodbets Durban July: meet the first black horse racing announcer in isiZulu on TV
When it comes to South Africa's black pioneers, the name Sanele Mchunu now stands alongside the greats from Comrades Marathon champion Sam Tshabalala, to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, and music star Khaya Mthethwa. Hailing from Mpophomeni in Howick, Mchunu has carved out his own place in history as the first black person to announce horse races in isiZulu on national television. The 41-year-old, who now lives in KwaNyuswa near Pinetown, was hired by Race Coast and on Saturday July 5 takes to the mic at the prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July, a moment that marks both personal triumph and a step forward for representation in the horse racing industry. Speaking to Isolezwe, Mchunu reflected on the opportunity that came his way in 2023, when Hollywoodbets sought to revitalise horse racing by making it more accessible to a broader audience. 'I was challenged to announce the races in isiZulu something I'd never even dreamed of,' he said. 'But I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.' Since then, Mchunu has become a regular voice in the sport and hopes his role will open doors for others. 'Even after Smanga Khumalo's historic Durban July win, there's still only one Black horse trainer in the country,' he said. 'This is an industry with huge employment potential, and it's time more Black South Africans got involved - not just at major events like the Durban July, but throughout the year.' Mchunu's journey began in the classrooms of KwaMqhathi Primary in KwaMpande, before moving to KwaNyuswa's St Lawrence Primary and later completing matric at Khabazela High School in Embo. He went on to study Video Technology at what is now the Durban University of Technology. His professional media career began in 2006 as a video editor at the SABC, followed by stints at SuperSport TV and, eventually, Gallop TV under where he now works as a studio producer. While he hasn't yet married, Mchunu is a proud father of three and continues to make strides, not only for himself, but for the next generation of broadcasters, sports enthusiasts, and horse racing professionals.
IOL News
03-07-2025
- IOL News
From scoring goals to marathon roles: Ashay Sewlall's inspiring journey of grit and grace
Ashay Sewlall (24) who participated in the Diski Challenge and later took on the Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied In the world of sports and fitness, few stories exemplify resilience and passion quite like that of Ashay Sewlall. A 24-year-old former professional football player from Richards Bay, he has transitioned from competitive leagues to conquering one of the most gruelling endurance races: the Comrades Marathon. Recently relocated to Durban, Sewlall showcases not only a commitment to fitness but also a dedication to sharing his journey through digital platforms. Having played at a professional level with Richards Bay FC in the PSL from 2020 to 2024, sports have been a defining aspect of his life. 'Fitness, or should I say football, has always been my passion,' he shares, reflecting on years devoted to the sport. Now, in a bold step that merges his love for athletics with personal growth, he overcame the formidable challenge of the Comrades Marathon, looking at it not just as a physical test but as a mental milestone - one that has re-ignited his love for football. 'Running the Comrades was a test physically, but more mentally for me to get back into my love for football,' he admits. 'If I can do this, I know I can start football again from the bottom.' Determined that the journey won't be easy, he is resolute in balancing his work in logistics with the rigorous training required for both running and football. While he doesn't label himself an influencer, he connects with people simply by being himself. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Ashay Sewlall sits victorious after completing the Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied His approach to social media is refreshing; 'I post content just being me, involved in various sport activities.' He joined TikTok in 2024 and has since captured the hearts of many South Africans, creating a community of loving supporters. His enthusiasm for sharing his life resonates with his growing audience, and he speaks fluent isiZulu, which helps him connect with a broader demographic. Diving into creativity, he reflects on the biggest risks he's taken throughout his life. 'Life is about taking risks,' he states, recalling his journey from school to professional athlete. Each leap of faith he took propelled him forward: 'Without taking the risk, I would have never achieved all that I have.' His message is clear, and it's one he stands by daily - a drive that fuels him to rise each morning. 'The drive and grind in me is what wakes me up,' he explains. With the support of friends and family, the motivation to continue this journey of resilience is unwavering. Yet, with every success comes misconceptions. He acknowledges that some may think his journey is easy due to his athletic background. Ashay Sewlall all suited up ready to take on his next project. Image: Supplied 'Every day is like starting again,' he confesses, emphasising the struggles beneath the surface. The discipline of adhering to training regimes and healthy eating is a choice, one he grapples with even now. 'I love being outdoors, going for runs, and hitting the gym. Durban is beautiful; it has everything in one city,' he says. A true advocate for the city, he encourages others to experience its charm. Though his focus has primarily been on training rather than leisure, he treasures his hometown of Richards Bay, ever keen on making time for visits. As he thinks ahead to future projects, he has ambitious plans for 2025. 'I want to keep sharing my talent and explore my passions, such as dancing to different music, fitness, speaking different languages, and even acting.' For those aspiring to enter the arts or entertainment industry, his wisdom shines through. 'Be yourself, be unique, and do it your way,' he advises, reminding everyone that true authenticity sets individuals apart. In the realm of sport, his mantra remains steadfast: 'Work hard, stay humble, never give up, and always smile good or bad.'
