Sunday Crew celebrates Comrades success as 13 runners cross the finish line
The Sunday Crew fielded 17 runners in this year's Comrades Marathon, with 13 earning medals after months of dedication, discipline and sacrifice. Despite four members recording DNF results due to injuries and health challenges, the team says the experience has strengthened its resolve to achieve even bigger goals.
Tsakani – The Sunday Crew recently participated in the Comrades Marathon. This year, Sunday Crew fielded 17 runners in the Comrades Marathon.
Thirteen proudly crossed the finish line to earn medals, while four unfortunately recorded Did Not Finish (DNF) results because of injuries and health challenges encountered during the race.
One of the members, Sibusiso Mthembu, said the road to the Comrades Marathon does not begin with 90km.
“It begins with a single step, a short run that once seemed impossible,” he said.
Mthembu highlighted that this year’s Comrades Marathon was far more than a race.
“It was the culmination of months of sacrifice, discipline, determination and unwavering support from family, friends and fellow runners.
“No one starts by running a 42km marathon. Every Comrades finisher started with a 5km that once felt impossible.
“We all started somewhere before gradually progressing to 10km, 21km, 42km and eventually the Comrades Marathon ,” he explained.
Mthembu said as a crew, they believe that success comes from consistency rather than speed.
“Run slowly to go far. Do not compare yourself with others because your only competition should be yourself.
“Your legs can do far more than your mind believes. Nothing is impossible if you remain consistent, disciplined and mentally positive,” he expressed.
The crew confirmed that preparation played a major role in their success. According to Mthembu, good preparation, commitment, discipline and sacrifice are essential ingredients for anyone dreaming of completing the Ultimate Human Race.
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For Sunday Crew, running is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one.
“Training doesn’t only strengthen your legs; it strengthens your mind. Discipline teaches you to show up for training even when you don’t feel like it.
“Perseverance teaches you to believe that no matter how difficult things become, you will reach your goals,” said Mthembu.
“Resilience reminds us that even if we fail, we can always bounce back stronger.”
Mthembu explained that one of the toughest sections of the race was the infamous Polly Shortts climb.
He explained that Polly Shortts, around the 77km mark, was the hardest hill.
“By then your legs are already exhausted, almost everyone is walking, and you have to push because once the hill ends, the final cut-off awaits,” cited Mthembu.
Many runners admitted that the toughest part of the race comes between 70km and 75km. What kept them moving, however, was the overwhelming support along the route.
“Hearing your family, friends, teammates and complete strangers calling your name and encouraging you not to give up gives you fresh strength.
“You also remember why you started this journey in the first place,” he mentioned.
The team’s medal tally included one silver medal, one Robert Mtshali medal, six bronze medals and five Vic Clapham medals.
Their finishing times were:
- Jabulani Mashinini – 7:20:52 (silver medal)
- Sibusiso Mnisi – 9:23:34
- Banele Molaba – 10:09:06
- Nkosana Mlangeni – 10:10:54
- Motjatji Matlala – 10:29:55
- Phephile Dlamini – 10:38:41
- Thabo Mosheledi – 10:43:24
- Sibusiso Mthembu – 10:53:41
- Mfundo Mkhwanazi – 11:02:42
- Matjie Mphela – 11:38:08
- Betty Lindiwe Mtsweni – 11:38:08
- Nokuthula Mthimkhulu – 11:38:12
- Sbongiseni Skosana – 11:47:29
- Zachariah Mojalefa – DNF
- Lucky Mahlangu – DNF
- Raymond Lebese – DNF
- Nwabisa Ntabeni – DNF
Crossing the finish line brought overwhelming emotions.
“There was happiness, excitement, disbelief, tears and laughter all at once. Every kilometre, every sacrifice and every early morning was worth it,” he added.
The runners acknowledged that their achievements would not have been possible without the support of those around them.
“Our families and friends woke us up for training, motivated us, tracked us during races, held up signs, prepared our food, drinks and supplements and never stopped believing in us.
“Our coaches and running clubs provided training programmes, guidance, motivation and pushed us when we wanted to quit. They also helped us with affiliations and ASA licences,” he mentioned.
Beyond medals and personal achievements, the runners believe that running transforms lives.
“It helps prevent diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and depression.
“It builds discipline, confidence and teaches you to do difficult things even when you do not feel like it.
“It improves memory, concentration and problem-solving because exercise increases blood flow to the brain.
“It also strengthens the body,” Mthembu expressed.
Looking ahead, Sunday Crew has even bigger ambitions. Their goal is to see every member achieving their personal dreams, whether that’s earning a silver medal, a Robert Mtshali medal, back-to-back medals or eventually a Green Number.
