Berea resident running towards a better world

The Citizen

07-06-2025

THE Comrades Marathon runner Mahesh Ratanjee will be among scores of novices and social athletes who will take on the 49th Down Run of the ultra-marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban this weekend.
'I have been following a Comrades training plan with the help of a few coaches,' said Ratanjee, who will run the marathon for the fourth time. 'My plan is to stay calm and pass my checkpoints, absorbing all the positive energy from my dedicated seconders who will help me to get to the finish on time.'
Ratanjee will run the Comrades to raise awareness and funds for the Durban NPO, Community Chest. The organisation focuses on early childhood development (ECD), children, youth and family care, and residential care for the elderly and homeless, mentally handicapped, and disabled people. Ratanjee, a member of the Durban Athletic Club, said he chose the organisation because it resonated with his own life experience and passions to make the world a better place for children. 'My wife and I lost our first child. Raising funds for this charity it allows me to help children in memory of my daughter,' said Ratanjee.
Also read: Glenwood resident laces up for Comrades Marathon debut
He aims to raise R200 000 which will go towards helping to provide nutrition and ECD education to 7845 children throughout KZN. When Sunday hits, Ratanjee says he will start the day off with a prayer. 'Take some time to remain still and absorb what I have trained for. Then I go out for a short and easy run just to activate my muscles. We normally run together with many other Comrades runners that we don't know. This helps me to come to terms with my Comrades journey.'
As for how his Comrades journey began, Ratanjee said, 'It was my childhood dream to run Comrades because my dad and aunt were huge fans. They used to be the first two to get up early and watch the race from start to finish. This inspired me, but it took many years to build up the courage to make it to the start line. My first Comrades was the most challenging because it was the biggest race that I was attempting. I almost gave up just after halfway, but our club secretary calmed me down and motivated me not to give up. I was overjoyed when I crossed the finish line before the cut-off time and that was my biggest victory.'
To help Ratanjee reach his goal, visit https://shorturl.at/acE0p.
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