There will be plenty of reasons to celebrate when veteran runner Edward Banda crosses the finish line of the Comrades Marathon at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg on June 14.

The Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) stalwart is set to earn his coveted double green number when he completes his 20th Comrades Marathon on the 85.77km up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

“It will be a big celebration,” said Banda. “This is a special achievement because not everyone reaches this milestone. Injuries, training demands and many other challenges prevent runners from getting there. My family will be there with me and that will make it even more meaningful.”

The Vosloorus resident said he is excited to tackle the demanding route, which has become a familiar challenge since making his debut more than two decades ago.

“I’m super happy. Reaching this milestone is a huge achievement. I’ve missed a few races because of injuries, but I’m looking forward to a good day. The support from my teammates and family will help carry me through.”

Banda first lined up for the Ultimate Human Race in 1999, competing in the colours of ABI Athletic Club.

His goal from the start was to complete 20 Comrades Marathons.

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Looking back on his debut, where he finished in 09:28:51 to earn a bronze medal, Banda laughs at a memorable moment brought on by his inexperience.

“I didn’t know the route and I didn’t have a stopwatch. I just ran,” he recalled.

“When we went down Fields Hill, I could smell the sea and thought we were almost finished. I asked another runner if we were done, only to find out there were still 19km left. But I enjoyed every moment.”

After completing two more Comrades races with ABI, Banda joined BAC in 2002 and has remained loyal to the club ever since.

“I told myself I would never join another club besides BAC,” he said.

Over the years, Banda has amassed 14 bronze medals and five Vic Clapham medals, with a personal best of 09:14:50 recorded in the 2006 up run.

His love affair with Comrades began long before he took part.

“I used to run shorter road races and watch Comrades on television. Seeing the atmosphere and excitement made me want to be part of it,” he said.

“When I finally ran it, I fell in love with the race. Comrades teaches discipline. It’s not always about winning.

“It’s about staying committed and overcoming challenges along the way. Those are lessons that apply to life as well.”

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