With months of gruelling preparation behind them and confidence running high, the nine-member Ulinda Athletic Club contingent is ready to tackle the 85.7km Comrades Marathon up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on June 14.

The runners were given a spirited send-off during a breakfast gathering at Indaba Tree Heritage Park in Kwa-Thema on May 17, where fellow club members and runners from neighbouring clubs joined 5km and 10km fun runs in support of the athletes.

Led by seasoned campaigner and 13-time Comrades finisher Velaphi Chiya, the team, comprising Lebogang Maswanganye, Smonkie Teme, Lerato Moagi, Moeketsi Mothoa, Jabu Nkosi, Moagi Thipe, Victor Malepe and Stanley Seisane, heads into the world’s biggest ultra-marathon determined to uphold the club’s proud record.

Club chairperson Vincent Hlatshwayo said preparations started as early as December with a 300km challenge designed to build both physical endurance and mental strength.

“From January, the runners have been participating in various long-distance races, including 42km, 48km and 60km events. The guys are well prepared and know what lies ahead,” said Hlatshwayo.

Although two runners withdrew due to illness, Hlatshwayo believes the club’s growth remains impressive after doubling its Comrades contingent from four runners last year to nine this year.

“We are not sending numbers for the sake of it. We want quality and we have maintained a 100% finishing record at Comrades,” he added.

Chiya, who ran his first Comrades in 2010 in the colours of Springs Striders and boasts a lifetime best of 09:43:39 for a Robert Mtshali medal in the 2019 up run, described his debut, a 10:47:44 for a bronze, as moderate but enjoyable.

“It was neither bad nor good. It was moderate and enjoyable. I’ve enjoyed all of them and managed to complete them all,” he said.

On his readiness for the 99th running of the ultra-race, Chiya, who also completed 12 Comrades in the colours of Kwa-Thema Striders, admitted that he hasn’t yet reached peak fitness, saying he needs at least two long runs to have enough mileage to tackle the event.

“My fitness is okay. I only need to run two more 42km long runs to taper for the first half of the Comrades. Then I would be fine.”

Maswanganye, who has three silvers and two Bill Rowan medals with a PB of 07:12:54 from the 2022 down run in his five races, will target another silver.

“I am currently at my peak, with strong performances already reflected in my recent results, including completing the Benoni Northerns Marathon ultra-race, where I clocked an impressive 03:24:38. I have also added the Cape Town Marathon as part of my Comrades preparation,” said Maswanganye.

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