17 hours ago
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.
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