DURBAN North resident Claudia Cummins says her ultimate goal, as she takes on her first Comrades Marathon this week, is to cross the finish line with her bestie hand-in-hand, within the sub-10 hour finish and to just soak up every moment.

Also read: From front page to the Ultimate Human Race

This entrant says it is her love for doing difficult things, among other stuff, that motivated her to enter Comrades.

“I love doing hard things, doing hard things and pushing myself beyond what I think is possible. I believe that stepping into discomfort and embracing challenges builds deep character and that’s something I value. More than that, my deepest motivation comes from my faith. Jesus endured far more than I ever will, and that perspective keeps me grounded and strong when the run gets tough. Running Comrades becomes a way for me to honour that and reflect on His sacrifice,” she said.

“And lastly, I hope that by doing something bold and difficult, someone watching might be inspired to chase after their own dreams. If my journey can help even one person believe in themselves a little more, then it’s all worth it.”

Believe it or not, Claudia didn’t always consider herself a runner. In 2017, motivated by a desire to lose weight and reclaim her health following knee surgery, she took her first steps, quite literally, toward what would become a transformative lifestyle.

It started as a goal to run a marathon. But soon it became a way of life.

“I fell in love not just with finishing a race, but with the entire journey. It was about the discipline, the early mornings, the mental toughness. It’s so much more than just the run now.”

No runner reaches the start line alone and Cummins is quick to credit her support crew.

Her fiancé, Kyne, a seasoned marathoner himself, has been a quiet pillar of strength through the highs and lows of training.

“He’s been amazing, helping with meal preps, cheering me on, keeping me focused. I’m so grateful. My idols are Jade Desousa and Manuela Diener who have also been such an inspiration to me.”

And then there’s her best friend, running bestie, training partner, and the woman she hopes to cross the finish line with – Tiffany Gore.

“She’s been with me through every milestone. We push each other, keep each other going. Sharing that finish line moment with her is my biggest goal.”

Training for Comrades is no walk in the park. Cummins’ routine included early runs, stretching sessions, foam rolling and not getting as much strength training as she would like to.

But it’s the mental game that’s been the toughest in the final stretch.

“These last two weeks of tapering have been the hardest. Running less, trying to stay calm and the waiting is harder than the training. I am trying my hardest not to get sick, watching where I walk so I don’t injure myself. It’s tough,” she said.

With race day just around the corner, Cummins feels a buzz of excitement more than nerves.

“I’m feeling positive. I just don’t want to get sick or twist an ankle now!” she laughed. “And of course, I’m mentally preparing for the pain. But I’m ready.”

What is she most looking forward to? “Being back in Pietermaritzburg, hearing the crowds cheer, standing on that start line knowing how much work we’ve put in. That moment — it’s everything.”

To anyone considering the Comrades challenge, Cummins has this piece of advice to offer: “Enjoy the journey. If you love the training, you’ll love the race. Know your ‘why’ — it’ll carry you through the tough patches. And most importantly, get yourself a running buddy. You’ll need them.”

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or  Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here