Alberton High School teacher Oscar von Platen has completed this year’s Comrades Marathon, earning a bronze medal after crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 10:45:47.

His achievement is the culmination of months of dedication, discipline and perseverance in conquering the world’s most iconic ultramarathon.

Known as The Ultimate Human Race, the Comrades Marathon is both feared and respected by runners worldwide.

After 99 editions, the race continues to stand as one of the greatest endurance challenges, attracting more than 20 000 participants each year.

For Von Platen, the experience became emotional before the race had even begun. Standing on the start line among thousands of runners while Chariots of Fire, Shosholoza and the National Anthem played served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices, commitment and discipline required simply to earn a place at the start.

Although he began the race with a realistic target, the true magnitude of the challenge became clear at around the 30km mark.

Realising what still lay ahead, he adjusted his mindset and focused on one goal: finishing the race. For him, every Comrades medal represents an incredible achievement, regardless of the colour.

The route tested runners with the legendary Big Five hills and more than 1 700m of elevation gain. While the climbs forced many competitors to walk at times, they also carried decades of Comrades history.

Along the way, runners reached Arthur’s Seat, where flowers are traditionally left in memory of Comrades runners, before passing the famous Wall of Honour, which celebrates the legends of the race.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets, cheering, clapping, calling runners by name and holding up motivational signs that inspired participants to keep moving despite the physical demands of the race.

Giving up never crossed von Platen’s mind. Inspired by this year’s Comrades slogan, “Ska Fela Moya, Never Give Up,” he wrote the words on his arm before the race and used them as a constant reminder to keep pushing through every difficult moment.

His determination paid off after reaching the top of Polly Shortts, the final major climb of the race. With only a few kilometres remaining, he found renewed strength and completed the closing stages faster than he had run throughout the day.

As he entered Scottsville Stadium for the final stretch, the emotions of the journey finally caught up with him. Crossing the finish line brought tears of joy as he reflected on how far he had come from almost losing complete use of his foot to successfully completing one of the toughest endurance races in the world and earning his bronze medal.

Von Platen credited his family for supporting him from the start to the finish of the race and thanked his close running friends for their unwavering encouragement throughout his Comrades journey.

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