Comrades Marathon excitement builds at Kempton Road Runners

Kempton Road Runners (KRR) showed their support for this year’s Comrades Marathon athletes by hosting a special 10km send-off run on May 30, bringing together runners and supporters in a celebration of endurance, community and achievement.

A total of 55 runners and supporters gathered at Bossa, Glen Acres at 07:00 for the annual tradition, which forms part of the club’s build-up to one of the world’s most iconic ultra-marathons.

The Comrades Marathon will take place on June 14, with athletes set to line up for the 99th edition.

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The route will start at Durban City Hall and finish at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.

Kempton Road Runners vice-chairperson Reghard Cousins said the club is proud to field a strong group of participants this year, including 37 seeded athletes and 12 novice runners taking on the challenge for the first time.

Among those showing support on the day was 11-year-old runner Anje Jacobs, who is already making her mark in junior athletics. Jacobs recently finished second in the U19 girls’ category and said her passion for running started at a young age.

“I started running when I was about five years old and over the years I got faster and faster,” said Jacobs.

“I saw people on TV running and I wanted to be like them. That’s why I started running.”

She said her goal is to continue improving and one day compete at the highest level.

“I want to become one of the fastest runners and win gold medals. I want to create history so that other people can look up to me and know it’s possible if you put your mind to it,” she said.

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The send-off celebrations continued later in the day with a pasta dinner, where experienced runners shared advice and personal insights ahead of the demanding race.

Club member Allan Ziervogel reflected on his return to running and the value of being part of a supportive running community.

“I have been a runner for a long time, on and off, since school days, and my family is also very much into running,” said Ziervogel.

“I did Comrades many years ago, about 30 years ago. I’m not doing it this year, but I will join the team next year.”

He said returning to training required rebuilding fitness and discipline, but that the club environment has been key to motivation and growth.

“You have to start from scratch again when you haven’t been running for a long time,” he said.

“But it really helps to have a team like Kempton Road Runners where you are encouraged, you have friends, you meet new people and you build up together.”

Dietician Channelle Retief also addressed runners, offering guidance on nutrition and preparation in the final days before the race.

On May 31, athletes were further wished well during a church service held at NG Kempton Kruin, where they received messages of encouragement ahead of the Comrades Marathon.

Club member Sandy Botha shared her own journey, noting that while she has not yet completed Comrades, she has built experience across various distances, including 10km, 21km and marathon events.
“God just helped me to finish because the 21km was hard,” said Botha.