#Comrades2025: Benoni Harriers' Khoza to earn green number
Though many Comrades Marathon veterans say their first race is their favourite, Armstrong Khoza considers his 15th Ultimate Human Race in 2018 his most memorable.
After earning 12 bronze, one Vic Clapham, and a single Bill Rowan medal, the Benoni Harriers stalwart clocked his fastest-ever Comrades time, finishing the down run that year in a lifetime best of 08:12:47.
He ranked it as his favourite race since debuting in the 2003 down run, when he finished in 11:50:33—earning his only Vic Clapham medal.
'I had been getting bronze medals, but that year, I improved a lot,' he said.
Khoza will run his 20th Comrades this weekend and earn his double green number when he crosses the finish line outside Durban's People's Park.
Since his debut, he has earned five Bill Rowan medals, 12 bronze, one Robert Mtshali, and one Vic Clapham medal.
Speaking to the Benoni City Times at the Harriers' Comrades send-off breakfast at Chalk Craft Eatery in Lakefield on June 1, Khoza said his journey had been challenging but worth every sacrifice.
'I'm excited because this journey hasn't been easy. In my first race, I faced numerous challenges, such as balancing work and training. But I'm over the moon,' he said.
He is one of 15 runners representing the Benoni Harriers in the 89.98km race from Pietermaritzburg on June 8.
Sonwabile Mkhona will make his debut, while Lezette Whittington is aiming for her back-to-back medal.
Kishore Magan will complete his 22nd Comrades, and Fanie Mphuthi, who has a personal best of 07:04:52, is running his 14th. Caroline Collings and Pravin Sewnarrin are both aiming for their 11th.
Reflecting on her 10th run last year, when she earned her green number, Collings thanked the roadside supporters who tirelessly cheer on the runners.
'It was amazing. I had swine flu a couple of weeks before and was really nervous. But everyone supported me because it was my 10th Comrades. It's the most incredible feeling, I cried when I finished,' she said.
Club chairperson Ashvin Jivan wished the runners well and encouraged them to draw strength from those around them when faced with challenges.
Also Read: Benoni runners set the pace at first cross-country league
Also Read: Northerns runner dedicates her eighth Comrades to child battling leukaemia
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