After the heartbreak of failing to complete the Comrades Marathon during last year’s down run, Tiisetso Phakane could not hold back the tears when she finally crossed the finish line at Scottsville Racecourse to earn her first-ever medal.

Last year’s devastating DNF (did not finish) left her shattered, but those broken pieces were slowly put back together through renewed determination, smarter preparation and the unwavering support of Daveyton Hearts, which she credits for helping her achieve her dream on June 14.

As she placed the coveted Vic Clapham medal around her neck after finishing in 11:41:34, words escaped her.

“I cried like crazy, sprinting to the finish line with a big smile on my face, all the way thinking ‘I made it.’
“I wasn’t tired and didn’t have cramps; I was just overwhelmed because I had finally done it.”

Phakane believes the pain of missing the cut-off by about 10 minutes last year fueled her comeback.
“No one goes to Comrades expecting to come back with a DNF after all the preparation and sacrifices,” she said.

“When I came back, I told myself it hurts, but it’s not the end. I had to redeem myself. Last year I worked harder, but this year I worked smarter. I didn’t overtrain but listened to my body and arrived at the start line believing I was going to finish.”

Her only goal was to secure a medal, refusing to waste valuable time.

“I prayed before the race and reminded myself that I had done the work, so there was nothing to fear.”
The race presented an early challenge when runners in her batch went nearly 18km without water. Their bus pacer went to search for supplies but never returned, leaving his passengers stranded.

Instead of panicking, Phakane relied on her preparation and found inspiration in an unfamiliar running companion from Zwakala Athletics Club.

Also Read: #Comrades2024: Daveyton Hearts ready for the Comrades Marathon

“He kept encouraging me to keep moving, take my nutrition and not rush. We spoke the whole day and honestly, he carried me to the finish line,” she said.

When her companion began fading late in the race, Phakane returned the favour.

“I could see he was struggling, so I encouraged him. That’s what Comrades is about. You can pour your heart out to someone you’ve never met because you’re all fighting the same battle.”

Crossing the finish line was an emotional release after a year of self-belief and perseverance.

“When I held that medal, I told myself, ‘I told you who you were and I’m coming back for you.’ It was a beautiful moment.”

Phakane reserved special praise for Daveyton Hearts, saying the club’s support transformed her journey.

“They carried me, honestly. The prayers, the encouragement from my club, my family, friends and the running community meant everything.

“This medal belongs to all of them, and I’m definitely coming back.”

Phakane has already started with preparation for next year’s race.

Also Read: #Comrades2025: Daveyton Hearts shine in down run