Norkem Park resident and Light Work Projects (LWP) founder Lubuto Chitibwi achieved a new personal best when he completed the 2026 Comrades Marathon in 8:58:42.

The 99th edition of the ultramarathon took runners from Durban City Hall to the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg on June 14.

Competing in his second Comrades Marathon, Chitibwi improved his previous personal best by an hour after recording 9:58 during the 2024 Up Run.

For Chitibwi, however, the race was about more than improving his finishing time.

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As a TSA-accredited tennis coach and chairperson of Birch Acres Tennis Club, he believes sport has the power to transform lives and create opportunities for people of all ages.

“I have seen the importance of sport as a way of developing not only myself but also young and old people in my community,” he said.

Chitibwi said the club plans to establish a running section alongside its existing tennis and netball programmes.

“Our vision is to work with different stakeholders to build a sporting institution that develops champion athletes and helps grow the next generation of talent in our community,” he said.

His Comrades journey began after qualifying at the Soweto Marathon, where he decided to pursue South Africa’s most prestigious ultramarathon.

To prepare, Chitibwi completed three 15km training runs each week, followed a personalised strength and conditioning programme and incorporated regular long-distance runs on Sundays.

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He said one of his biggest obstacles was the cost of running shoes, equipment and technology.

“As a developing club, we are still in the foundation stage of our growth. We have to make sacrifices and stay committed to making our vision a reality,” he said.

Although he follows a diet that supports his training, Chitibwi hopes to work with a sports nutritionist to further improve his performance.

Together with Birch Acres Sports Club running coach Given Tibani, Chitibwi followed a race strategy that focused on conserving energy early, making the most of the downhill sections and finishing strongly.

“The plan was to save energy at the beginning, use the downhill sections well and finish stronger at the end,” he said.

The race became particularly challenging during the final 30km when he experienced cramps, but he said careful preparation and the use of supplements helped him manage the discomfort. Staying hydrated throughout the race also played an important role in his performance.

For Chitibwi, mental strength is the key to success in ultramarathon running.

“My mindset is always to give my all and trust my preparation and ability. The support from my family, friends, my team at Light Work Birch Acres Sports Club and the community gave me confidence to represent our club,” he said.

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He encouraged runners to remain positive during difficult moments.

“It is important to guard the conversation in your mind when things get tough. A positive and solution-based mindset will always help you overcome challenges.”

Chitibwi believes success in ultramarathons is driven more by determination than physical ability.

“I believe mindset is 60% and physical ability is 40%. I saw many runners who were struggling physically but still refused to give up. Their determination motivated me to keep pushing,” he said.

He described the final five kilometres as the highlight of his race.

“The energy was electric and it gave me the motivation to increase my pace and finish strong.”

Crossing the finish line confirmed to Chitibwi that he is capable of achieving even more.

“Crossing the finish line was amazing. It showed me that I still have the legs to run even faster and chase another personal best during next year’s 100th edition,” he said.

Reflecting on the experience, Chitibwi said one of Muhammad Ali’s best-known quotes stayed with him throughout his journey: “The will must be greater than the skill.”

“Those words continue to inspire me, especially as we work to grow Birch Acres Sports Club. Our vision is big, but we remain committed to making it happen,” he said.

Looking ahead, Chitibwi hopes to complete his first Comrades Down Run during next year’s historic 100th edition, earn his back-to-back medal and set another personal best. He also plans to add the Two Oceans Marathon and the Cape Town Marathon to his list of achievements.

“My advice to first-time marathon runners is to be intentional with your preparation and trust the process. The mental challenge is what makes or breaks you. If we lose mentally, we lose physically,” he said.