IF you would have told Mount Edgecombe resident Ryan Smith that in just two years of road-running he would be running his first Comrades Marathon in 2026 he would have responded by saying ‘you’re insane’.

The 42-year-old, who is a member of Team Vitality Club KZN, is one of 21 633 athletes tackling this year’s Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

Set yourself big goals

As head of culture at Reddam House Umhlanga (Preparatory), who teaches music and mathematics, Ryan is hoping to set an example to his learners that no goal is insurmountable.

Also read: 2026 Comrades Marathon route distance confirmed

“Jim Collins and Jerry Porras are two authors who speak about Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs), a bold long-term goal that is a call to action. So often we think things are insurmountable, because we’ve never actually challenged ourselves to do it. You start to realise when you actually take it on, you can achieve it. For me the Comrades is my BHAG. While I’m a little bit terrified, I’m also excited,” he said.

Ryan is running with his fellow Reddam educator, Richard Widdows, with a goal of completing the marathon between 10 and 12 hours.

“My running journey thus far has been really fulfilling and wonderful. I wasn’t someone known for their sportiness as I was more of a cultural person. I used to sing with the Drakensberg Boys Choir and did a bit of cross country in school but the Comrades Marathon will be my biggest challenge to date. Of course I have a goal of running a sub-11 hour race but the ideal thing is also to finish,” he said.

Supporting family and future generations

While he is running his first Comrades Marathon, Ryan is also raising funds for the South African National Parks (SANParks) Honorary Rangers.

Also read: Durban North resident’s Comrades for a cause

“I absolutely love the bush and recently got to run in an unfenced big 5 game park, which was an amazing experience. Some of the parks have gone through a lot of devastation like the Kruger National Park with the floods. You also have the continued impact of illegal poaching. My aunt and uncle are also honorary rangers and I know the great work that they do.

“With my page I felt it would be awesome to raise some additional funding for this charity, in some way supporting my family but also supporting future generations that they can see these animals. This is something we need to take care of,” he said.

Ryan has already raised more than R6500 with an overall target of R10 000. To support his fundraising efforts, click here.

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