Latest news with #2025ComradesMarathon
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Local runners go the distance at Comrades
Local runners go the distance at Comrades The Heidelberg Athletics Club recently celebrated a strong performance at the 2025 Comrades Marathon, made possible in part by sponsorship from Vopak. The support helped ensure the club's athletes could compete in the prestigious ultra-marathon without added financial strain. Although the runners had already paid for registration and accommodation, the club approached Vopak earlier this year for more help. Vopak responded by covering the team's transportation costs and providing a branded gazebo for use at the event. This gesture, aimed at encouraging athletic excellence and community involvement, was welcomed by the athletes and the club officials. All eight athletes representing the club completed the gruelling race, with these times recorded: • Vusi Mdhluli – 08:14:40; • Lerato Motaung – 08:44:49; • Ndivhuho Mukwevho – 08:56:31; • Ndumiso Mayongo – 09:43:17; • Thulani Namo – 09:50:17; • Albert Kheswa – 10:47:26; • Mfundo Mkhwanazi – 10:52:15; • Mzwandile Gcaleka – 10:52:15. The club thanked Vopak, emphasising the impact of their contribution on the team's morale and performance. 'This partnership with Vopak met our logistical needs and inspired our athletes to push themselves to the finish line,' said a club representative. 'It's a shining example of how corporate support can uplift communities and help grow local sporting talent.' The club aims to continue working with sponsors as it remains focused on developing athletes and promoting participation in competitive sports. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Mokopane athletes shine at 2025 Comrades Marathon
MOKOPANE – Runners from the Potties Athletics Club are beaming with pride after their outstanding performances in the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Their dedication, commitment and year-long training, even through the cold winter months, paid off as they took on the ultimate test of endurance. The 98th edition of the world-renowned Comrades Marathon was run last Sunday, and the down-run route from Pietermaritzburg to Durban attracted 20 972 runners from across the world. South Africa's Gerda Steyn once again dominated the women's race, crossing the finish line in an impressive 05:51:19. In the men's race, fellow South African Tete Dijana made the country proud with a time of 05:25:28. Among the brave were 11 runners from Potties Athletics Club who took on the gruelling challenge: Lesiba Letaha (66) led the Potties contingent with a time of 09:54:54. 'It was tough, just like the previous consecutive years – 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025. I received the Robert Mtshali medal this year,' he said. Mogobe Mashishi completed the race in 10:01:28. Cecilia Ferreira ran her fifth Comrades and earned a personal best of 10:25:03. 'The route was far, but everything worked from the second group start to every water point. I did hurt my leg early, but I pushed through. I'm happy to have earned my fifth medal, a bronze,' she said. Sello Mobotja finished his third Comrades in 10:37:29. 'There are challenges along the way, and you never know what to expect. No matter how fit you are, the Comrades will humble you,' he said. Lizanie van Staden completed her first Comrades in 10:53:41. Khomotso Mashishi crossed the line in 10:58:41. Sarie Coetzee, a seasoned veteran, finished her 27th Comrades in 11:09:34. Hope Poopedi completed her fourth Comrades in 11:17:18. 'It was a bit tough this year, but the positive energy from fellow runners made it bearable. I didn't train as much as in previous years, but I finished strong. It's always special being part of the Comrades family.' Liza de Jong earned a Vic Clapham medal with a finishing time of 11:24:35. Tienie van Wyngaard concluded the race in 11:56:42. Viola Mashigo tackled her first Comrades and performed admirably, showcasing her determination and spirit. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Roosevelt Park firefighters conquer Comrades
Two firefighters from the Franklin Roosevelt Park Fire Station have once again proven their mettle, completing the gruelling 2025 Comrades Marathon for the second time. Read more: Watch: Comrades Marathon hero helps collapsed runner finish race This year's down run, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, proved to be a different beast altogether, testing their limits in unexpected ways. Mphekgo Leshalabe crossed the finish line in 10:30:00, earning himself a bronze medal, however, despite the medal, he admitted this year's experience was tougher than his previous uphill run. 'I did not expect a down run to be that difficult,' he confessed. 'Normally, they would say a down run is more difficult than an up run, and I experienced it myself in the marathon. The down run is difficult because I has a lot of injuries. I had blisters and the pain was unbearable on my left foot.' He paid respects to the marathon, adding that it is a different race on its own. 'It is not called the ultimate human race for nothing, finishing the race alone is something else, let alone getting the medal.' Also read: Dabulamanzi Canoe Club paddlers fish out the medals at the ICF World Marathon Championships in Metkovic, Croatia While the reward of finishing was sweet, Leshalabe fell short of his goal of achieving a Bill Rowan medal, coming in under nine hours, setting his sights higher for next year. His teammate, Tendani Nemalamangwa, shared the same experience, finishing in 10:07:00, also securing a bronze, stating that it was a challenge running in this years marathon. 'It was my second down run, so I thought I was going to do better than my first one, but it was just harder. I just think that I have to train more on down runs, but, if I was to choose, I would choose up run, which is much easier.' He emphasised the need for a holistic approach to the race, highlighting nutrition, endurance, and mental resilience as key factors. For him, the Comrades is about overcoming his limits and achieving personal milestones. He plans to focus on increased mileage to improve his performance in future races. Platoon Commander Otsile Kobue applauded the two firefighters for their incredible achievement. 'We are proud of their dedication, commitment, perseverance, and strength. They are an inspiration to all of us.' Their experiences show how even the most seasoned of runners can be challenged by the unpredictable nature of the ultimate human race. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Soweto Marathon back from the brink of collapse At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
‘I never gave up': Springs SAPS officer earns coveted Green Number at Comrades Marathon
The Springs SAPS and the local CPF congratulated four of their officers who participated in the 2025 Comrades Marathon in Durban. Captain Sagathavan Pather, Constable Halalisani Dlomo, Sergeant Jabulani Nkwinka, and Sergeant Mmeselane Ramoshu represented the station on Sunday. Pather was running his 15th Comrades Marathon and had already completed 10 races. This year, he was awarded the prestigious Green Number, given to runners who complete 10 Comrades Marathons. Pather told the publication that he was happy with his achievement and that his team was there to share in the moment. He said his running journey began in 1993, but he gave up and only returned in 2000. That year, he ran the Comrades but did not finish, which demotivated him. He made another attempt in 2010, but again failed to complete the race. 'My dad is the one who got my brothers and me into running. But because there were so many of us, he couldn't afford running shoes for all of us, so we ran barefoot. I always told myself that I would finish one day, and I never gave up on that dream of getting a medal,' he said. Pather returned in 2011, determined to earn a medal — and that year, he completed his first Comrades Marathon, finishing in 11 hours and 43 minutes. He said that getting the Green Number had been his goal since the day he returned in 2011. Despite the challenges and doubts he faced along the way, Pather said: 'Getting the Green Number is like reaching a new milestone. My aim was just to get one and be done. But the next day, I woke up saying, 'I need to get another Green Number,' because I've seen people older than me achieving them.' Pather was the first officer in Springs to participate in the marathon in 2011, which led him to recruit other officers to follow suit. He said that officers would often ask what he did to stay fit, and he would encourage them to run. Pather added that balancing work, training, and a social life is difficult, but discipline is key. ALSO CHECK: VLU-lede hoor van die verskil tussen mans en vroue by maandelikse vergadering 'We were fortunate to have a management team that understood our love for running. When I asked for time to train, there was some hesitation, but in the end, we were lucky to get Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays off,' he said. One of the officers recruited by Pather was Sergeant Ramoshu. Ramoshu joined the Comrades in 2022 and earned his first bronze medal. He said he became part of the team after he hung up his boots following many years of playing soccer. 'Soccer was my main sport, but at the age of 45, I realised the younger players were too fast for me. I stopped playing but noticed I was gaining weight. I started using our fitness facility, and that's when I was told there was a running club. I joined soon after,' said Ramoshu. Ramoshu earned his first Bill Rowan medal (silver) on Sunday after finishing in his personal best time of eight hours, 56 minutes. He said that when he saw his time, he couldn't believe it because he hadn't expected to achieve that goal. He added that Dlomo was beside him most of the way, but he had to pick up the pace to secure the medal. 'When I got the medal, I was so happy. It made me realise that my new goal is to earn only silver medals from now on,' said Ramoshu. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
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. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
