Local runners share emotional Comrades Marathon journeys

Members of the Kempton Road Runners Club were among the athletes who took on the iconic Comrades Marathon on June 14, completing the ultra-marathon from Durban City Hall to the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Race Course in Pietermaritzburg.

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A total of 12 club members participated as Comrades novices:
• Nicoles Barnard
• Ronel Oosthuizen
• Germien Le Clus
• Jordan Atmore
• Lana Botha-Jonker
• T’neill Pheiffer
• Chane Wessels
• Neil Aspeling
• Stephan du Preez
• Marnus Liebenberg
• Louisa Liebenberg
• Dalene Botha

For many of the runners, the race was not only a physical challenge but also a deeply personal journey.
Nicoles Barnard said he was inspired to take on the Comrades Marathon after the passing of his cell group leader, André Van Rensburg.

“He gave an incredible testimony of how God got him through to the end. That inspired me,” said Barnard.

He described the journey as one of discipline, mental strength and pushing through physical and psychological limits.

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“Training was definitely the most challenging aspect of preparing for the Comrades. My fiancée, Chantelize, was a big help, motivating me to keep pushing when I did not feel like it.”

Barnard said two moments stood out during his race. The first came just after halfway when fatigue set in.

“My legs were very stiff, so I stopped at a water table to squat and stretch my quads. While kneeling, a small boy walked up to me and stared for about 10 seconds.

“When I looked up, he said softly, ‘Don’t give up’ and ‘You can do it’. I smiled and said, ‘Thank you, I definitely will’.”

The second defining moment came near Polly Shortts, when he realised he could still finish under 10 hours.

“I gave everything I had left in those final 6km. Crossing the finish line under 10 hours was an incredible feeling. I knew that if I had not given it everything, I would have regretted it.”

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Louisa Liebenberg said her Comrades journey carried deep family significance.

“I grew up watching my dad compete in the Comrades Marathon. I’ve always loved running, and when my husband suggested we enter, it felt like the perfect opportunity to run alongside my dad, with my husband by my side.”

She said the biggest challenge was finding time for training, but she and her husband made it work by running together in the evenings.

“Running Comrades together with my dad and my husband was an experience I will never forget. As we neared the finish, I felt overwhelming gratitude for everything that had come together to get us there. It’s a true blessing, and one we give all the credit to God for.”

Lana Botha-Jonker said her Comrades dream had been shaped over many years.

“As a child, I used to wake up early and watch the Comrades Marathon the entire day. I had a dream for years to do it myself.”

She said her children and the memory of her late father, who passed away on Christmas Day 10 years ago, were her biggest motivation.

“I chose to be better instead of bitter. I went through a divorce and parental alienation, and running helped me avoid depression and show my children that I can still accomplish things and make them proud.”

She described early morning training as one of her biggest challenges.

“I used to be a late sleeper, so waking up at 03:30 was difficult. Consistency helped, as well as my running group and friends who kept me accountable.”

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Reflecting on race day, she said the experience was unforgettable.

“The first 3km felt magical. The last 3km showed me that even when you are exhausted, you are still capable of pushing through. I am stronger than I think, and with God, anything is possible.”

She added that a post-race hug from Colleen Ferreira was one of the most meaningful moments of the day.