Latest news with #VicClapham
eNCA
2 days ago
- Sport
- eNCA
Fun facts about the Comrades Marathon
DURBAN - More than 22,000 runners will line up in Pietermaritzburg to take on the 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon on Sunday. This year's race will be a down run from Pietermaritzburg City Hall to Durban. Here are some fascinating facts that capture the spirit and history of the race. Founded in 1921 by World War I veteran Vic Clapham, the Comrades Marathon was created to honour South African soldiers who died during the war. The first race saw 34 starters, with only 16 finishing, laying the foundation for a global sporting legacy. Recognised as the largest and oldest ultramarathon, the Comrades covers approximately 86–90 kilometres (depending on the route) between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It draws elite athletes and amateurs from around the world. The race alternates direction each year: The 'up run' starts in Durban and ends in Pietermaritzburg, while the 'down run' reverses the route. Each direction presents unique challenges, with the up run featuring more climbs and the down run known for punishing descents. In 2022, Tete Dijana set the men's down run record with a time of 5:13:58, while Gerda Steyn holds the women's down run record at 5:44:54, also set in 2022. These times reflect an astonishing pace for nearly 90 km. Wally Hayward, a five-time winner, became the oldest finisher in 1989 at age 80, completing the race 58 years after his first victory in 1930. His enduring legacy inspires runners of all ages. The Comrades is steeped in tradition, starting with a gunshot and the playing of Chariots of Fire and Sweet Caroline. Another unique ritual is the exchange of a greeting letter between the mayors of Durban and Pietermaritzburg at the finish. The Comrades Marathon House in Pietermaritzburg houses a museum showcasing medals, memorabilia, photographs, and a detailed route model, offering fans a deep dive into the race's history.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
#Comrades2025: Benoni Harriers' Khoza to earn green number
Though many Comrades Marathon veterans say their first race is their favourite, Armstrong Khoza considers his 15th Ultimate Human Race in 2018 his most memorable. After earning 12 bronze, one Vic Clapham, and a single Bill Rowan medal, the Benoni Harriers stalwart clocked his fastest-ever Comrades time, finishing the down run that year in a lifetime best of 08:12:47. He ranked it as his favourite race since debuting in the 2003 down run, when he finished in 11:50:33—earning his only Vic Clapham medal. 'I had been getting bronze medals, but that year, I improved a lot,' he said. Khoza will run his 20th Comrades this weekend and earn his double green number when he crosses the finish line outside Durban's People's Park. Since his debut, he has earned five Bill Rowan medals, 12 bronze, one Robert Mtshali, and one Vic Clapham medal. Speaking to the Benoni City Times at the Harriers' Comrades send-off breakfast at Chalk Craft Eatery in Lakefield on June 1, Khoza said his journey had been challenging but worth every sacrifice. 'I'm excited because this journey hasn't been easy. In my first race, I faced numerous challenges, such as balancing work and training. But I'm over the moon,' he said. He is one of 15 runners representing the Benoni Harriers in the 89.98km race from Pietermaritzburg on June 8. Sonwabile Mkhona will make his debut, while Lezette Whittington is aiming for her back-to-back medal. Kishore Magan will complete his 22nd Comrades, and Fanie Mphuthi, who has a personal best of 07:04:52, is running his 14th. Caroline Collings and Pravin Sewnarrin are both aiming for their 11th. Reflecting on her 10th run last year, when she earned her green number, Collings thanked the roadside supporters who tirelessly cheer on the runners. 'It was amazing. I had swine flu a couple of weeks before and was really nervous. But everyone supported me because it was my 10th Comrades. It's the most incredible feeling, I cried when I finished,' she said. Club chairperson Ashvin Jivan wished the runners well and encouraged them to draw strength from those around them when faced with challenges. Also Read: Benoni runners set the pace at first cross-country league Also Read: Northerns runner dedicates her eighth Comrades to child battling leukaemia At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
