For Fourways runner Debbie Ivins, when she crossed the finish line of the 2026 Comrades Marathon, the tears came long before the celebrations.

As she completed the iconic 85.777km race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, it was another chapter in her journey that has been defined by resilience, hope, and refusing to accept the limits others placed on her.

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This year’s race carried the slogan ‘Ska fela moya’, meaning ‘Don’t give up’, a message Ivins said echoed through her mind from start to finish.

“I thought of those words often during the run. My journey has taught me to keep fighting and never give up on life, and I took the essence of that message onto the road.”

The race marked Ivins’ ninth Comrades Marathon and her third since making an emotional return after a six-year absence caused by chronic illness.

Fourways Review had previously reported on Ivins’ remarkable story of living with Crohn’s disease, a condition that severely affected her health and eventually led to osteoporosis, making her vulnerable to fractures.

At one point, doctors gave her just five years to live. Despite repeated setbacks, she refused to let illness define her future.

“For preparing, running wasn’t the focus. I had to prioritise weight training for my osteoporosis, but this unconventional approach worked for me while simultaneously monitoring my Crohn’s disease and complications.”

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She admitted the journey to the start line was anything but easy.

“There have been many tough times and plenty of tears and fears, but every day you choose an attitude of gratitude and keep showing up.”

Although she was unsure how her body would respond on race day, Ivins deliberately started at a comfortable pace.

“As the kilometres passed, I felt stronger and stronger.”

She crossed the finish line in 8 hours and 50 minutes, earning a Bill Rowan medal and recording her strongest Comrades Marathon performance to date.

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” I broke down in uncontrollable tears when I realised I had made it. I’m still on cloud nine and in awe of the blessing of being able to participate again.”

“I’m praying this is the year I don’t need to dust off my crutches. I want to prove to the doctors, and to myself, that anything is possible and that you really can rise again.”

If all goes according to plan, next year’s Comrades will be her 10th, a finish that would earn her the coveted green number and fulfil what she affectionately calls her ‘Green dream.’

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