Comrades Marathon: Durban South runners show up with medals
THE 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon on June 8 was one for the books, with a record number of down run entries and unforgettable moments. A total of 20 972 runners started the gruelling 89km run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban's People's Park.
Also read: Comrades Marathon veteran laces up boots for Blue Bundu Brigade
Among them were athletes from Yellowwood Park Athletic Club, Bluff Athletic Club and Wings Athletic Club, all of whom delivered impressive performances on the iconic course.
Yellowwood Park Athletic Club
Yellowwood Park Athletic Club's top male runner was David Lamont, who recorded a time of 08:46:32. Lamont said it was an overall enjoyable experience being able to see so many friends and family and the club gazebo in Sherwood.
'I fell short of my target time which was 08:00:00 – 08:30:00. The last 7km were really tough, nevertheless still happy with my time,' said Lamont. He plans to miss the 2026 race in order to return strong for the 100th running in 2027.
The club's top woman was Jenny Sutton, 58-years-old and with 22 Comrades to her name. Sutton made a triumphant return after a long break, last running the 2016 edition of the Comrades. Sutton finished in 10:24:38. 'The support from friends and strangers was incredible. I was looking to do it in 10 hours, so I was not too far away,' she said. Sutton thanked her coach and husband, Mike Sutton, for the encouragement and is already looking forward to the next two Comrades Marathons.
Bluff Athletic Club
Phumlani Shangase was the top overall runner and men's runner from Bluff Athletic Club with a respectable time of 07:59:55, just short of his 07:30:00 target. 'Though I did not reach my target, I'm content with my run. I'll be back stronger next year,' he said.
The club's top woman runner was Kirsty Goodwin, who completed the race in 08:53:41.
'For me personally it was a very long 90kms, I wasn't 100% comfortable due to a recent injury that affected my fitness. My aim was a sub-nine-hour finish. At Hillcrest I had pretty much given up on this but managed to make up some time and came in at just under nine hours,' said a happy Goodwin.
Wings Athletic Club
Wings Athletic Club's captain André Louis clocked an impressive time, coming in at 07:57:16. Louis said he was grateful for the encouragement and thrilled to see his efforts rewarded.
Also coming in hot for the Wings Athletic Club was Taariq Stokes, who completed his second Comrades in 08:13:51. Although he fell short of his target of a silver medal, Stokes said that he enjoyed every second of the race.
He added that he did this year's event in support of the people of Palestine and Gaza. 'This wasn't just a race, it was a silent protest and a call to humanity to stand together,' he said.
The 2025 Comrades Marathon came with personal bests as well as renewed motivation for next year's race.
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