Khosa Road Runners receive inspiring send-off ahead of Comrades
The countdown is on to the Comrades Marathon on June 14, with Khosa Road Runners' athletes receiving a warm send-off from club members, family and supporters ahead of the iconic race.
Determination, dedication, and camaraderie were on full display on Saturday, as Khosa Road Runners gathered to celebrate and send off their Comrades Marathon athletes ahead of Sunday’s iconic Up Run.
This year’s team represents a remarkable blend of experience, perseverance, and commitment. Among the group are two athletes chasing coveted back-to-back medals, with Neil Campbell and Ntsebeng Letuma preparing to once again conquer the ultimate human race after completing last year’s event.
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Adding to the occasion is Chris Huysamen, whose Comrades journey carries a special significance. Huysamen will be running for his Green Number, awarded to athletes who complete 10 Comrades Marathons. His achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that it comes 18 years after his last Comrades finish, a testament to his enduring passion for the sport and unwavering determination.
The dedication of the Khosa athletes is reflected not only in their race-day ambitions but also in the months of preparation that have brought them to this point. The 13 runners heading to Comrades have collectively completed an astounding 101 races between January and May this year. This incredible statistic highlights the consistency, discipline, and hard work that have defined their preparation for the 2026 Comrades Marathon.
Addressing the runners during the send-off, chairperson Jeremy Tibbles delivered a powerful message that captured the essence of the Comrades journey.
Today is not just a send-off but the culmination of training, in sacrifice and in every kilometre you have already run.
“On the day, Comrades is one step and then the next, one water station and then the next, one decision and then the next – the decision to continue because Comrades is not just one race but a thousand small decisions, the decision to refuse stopping. There is nothing about Comrades that happens by accident; it is built on quiet work, long before race day,” Tibbles said.
His words resonated deeply with the athletes, families, supporters, and club members in attendance, reminding everyone that success at Comrades is earned through months of unseen effort, early mornings, long runs, and personal sacrifice.
As the runners prepare to line up at the start, they carry with them not only their own goals and aspirations but also the pride and support of the entire Khosa family.
The club is immensely proud of each athlete’s commitment throughout the season and wishes them strength, courage, and success on every kilometre of the journey to Durban.
