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The Citizen
20 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Khosa Road Runners cross the finish line at the Comrades
Khosa Road Runners cross the finish line at the Comrades From Krugersdorp to KZN, the Khosa Road Runners (KRR) showed unwavering determination when 12 of its 13 participating members completed the iconic Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 8. Suellen Prinsloo, vice-chairperson of KRR, described the race as a major success for the club. For Ntsebeng Letuma – affectionately known as Tumi – it was a deeply personal triumph as she crossed the finish line of her very first Comrades. ALSO READ: Fourth annual Westrand Marathon a runaway success 'The run was incredibly tough, but it was worth every step. After 60km, my legs couldn't go any further, but my mental strength carried me. I'm proud to have done this in honour of both my late mom and daughter,' she shared. Inspired by her achievement, Tumi is already looking ahead to 2026, hoping to run again and earn the prestigious back-to-back medal. Seasoned Comrades runner Pierre Adriaanse, who has completed the race multiple times, was unfortunately unable to finish this year. Still, his spirit remains unshaken. ALSO READ: Paddler Daryn and team look to impress in marathon series 'We are incredibly proud of all the hard work and consistency shown by our Comrades runners,' Suellen added. 'This is the result of nearly a year's worth of dedication – training, qualifying marathons, and all the preparation that goes into it.' The club's finishers are as follows: • Edward Siribane – 8:06:25 – Bill Rowan medal • Pieter Venter – 10:15:20 – bronze medal • Robert Atkinson – 10:27:55 – bronze (back-to-back) • Larisa Liebenberg – 11:12:39 – Vic Clapham medal (back-to-back) • Jacqui Drotsky – 11:31:24 – Vic Clapham medal • Suellen Prinsloo – 11:40:53 – Vic Clapham medal • James Carle – 11:40:54 – Vic Clapham medal • Abrie Senekal – 11:42:34 – Vic Clapham medal • Jeremy Tibbles – 11:44:01 – Vic Clapham medal • Ntsebeng Letuma – 11:48:59 Vic Clapham medal • Neil Campbell – 11:55:06 – Vic Clapham medal • Joseph Rachoene – 11:58:17 – Vic Clapham medal TEASER: After months of hard work, Khosa Road Runners reap the rewards at the Comrades Marathon. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Khosa Road Runners to run for Comrades glory
With the Comrades Marathon taking place this Sunday, the Khosa Road Runners (KRR) have been training relentlessly to make their mark at this iconic event. Suellen Prinsloo, vice-chairperson of KRR, shared that 13 club members will be participating this year. 'It's been a year of hard work and dedication to get to the start line. We couldn't have done it without the support of the club and its members. We have two runners aiming for their back-to-back medals, which means they completed their first Comrades last year and now aim to finish again. 'We also have two novices taking on the challenge for the first time,' she said. Among the novices is Ntsebeng Letuma, known as Tumi, who is running her first Comrades to confront personal loss. 'My reason might seem unusual, but many runners will relate. I lost my daughter in 2021, and running became a way to cope. I started with short distances – 10km, 21km, 32km – and eventually moved to marathons. The physical pain of running helped me process my emotional pain. In 2024, I lost my mum, and that pushed me to take on the Comrades. Running helps me grieve. That's why I'm doing this,' she said. Initially, she didn't believe she could finish the race, but training changed that mindset. 'I'm nervous but excited. I'm aiming to finish within 12 hours. The support of my club has made all the difference. I honestly can't wait for race day – to face my fears and, hopefully, earn that medal.' At the other end of the spectrum is KRR veteran Pierre Adriaanse, who returns to the Comrades after a 10-year break and with 11 previous finishes to his name. Pierre's inspiration began in childhood, watching Bruce Fordyce dominate the Comrades. He began running at 23, gradually progressing from 10km to ultramarathons. He completed his first Comrades in 1995 and has been part of KRR for 25 years. 'This race left a lasting impression on me. The lessons you learn while training and running Comrades apply to life: Consistency, showing up, and pushing through hard days. Even when you don't feel like it, running gives you a sense of achievement, and those post-run endorphins are real!' He adds that one of the biggest rewards of running is the friendships formed during training and races. You gain support buddies who become lifelong friends – they grow on you like peanut butter and jam. Life knocks us down, but running teaches you to get up and keep moving.' Pierre is open about the challenges of injuries, age, and balancing family life. He recalls the brutal 2013 Comrades, with scorching heat and high winds, where an injury forced him to stop running altogether. But in 2023, he returned to training after a decade-long break. 'This year, I'm aiming for an average pace of seven minutes 30 per kilometre and hope to finish within 11 and a half hours.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
