Runners don colourful outfits and tutus on the way to the finish line.
FOR the first time in three years the Comrades Marathon made a welcome return to KwaZulu-Natal.
From Tete Dijana’s amazing win in the men’s race to Durban North’s Jenna Challenor crawling over the finish line, there were hundreds of standout moments in this year’s edition.
The 95th Comrades Marathon saw 15 986 athletes take off from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on Sunday morning, but it was the final stretch that brought into focus how much Durbanites have missed the iconic race.
Thousands of spectators lined Masabalala Yengwa Avenue to cheer on the runners on the home stretch.
Savages Athletics Club member Ricardo Tavolari is all smiles heading up to the finish line.
oli Madida (Natal Carbineers) and Sphiwe Gift Gumbi (Carlton Athletics Club).
Sandile Ndingi battles through the pain to reach the finish line.
Michael Cairns plays the bagpipes for runners near Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Ntsindiso Majali and Mncedisi Dlova from Cheetahs AC Transkei are easy to spot in the red print.
Jordan Leppan from Muirite Striders eases to the finish line.
Indian athlete Amitkumar Yadav eases his way to the finish line.
Robynne Dry and Kim Dry.
Avery Mabu, Lerato Phala, Odeline Mabu and Faith Mabu cheer on the runners at the end.
Lucia Kgwete and Angelina Phale were at the finish line to support their husbands.
The Khubeka family: Nombulelo, Obenathi and Thandi.
Matt Sutherland and his daughter Summer were out to support their loved ones.
Jean Rees celebrates with Hillcrest Villagers runner Karen Sobrino who completed her 6th Comrades Marathon.
Mbongeleni Mkhize from the KwaMashu Athletics Club celebrates with the crowd.
The Naidoo family show vocal support: Gansen, Irfaan and Nazia.
Ellias Nhlengeghwa of Hammersdale Athletics Club; Zola Dladla and Sanele Duma from the KwaXimba Athletics Club.
Thanda Mbatha from the Hillcrest Villagers Athletics Club was one of the most colourful finishers on the day.
Ivan Buekes from the Pretoria Marathon Club waves to the crowd.
Graeme Hall of Savages Athletics Club.
Hollywoodbets AC membern Soyisile Qumbelo and Benoni Northerns AC member, Vincent de Andrade.
Newcastle Harriers AC runner, Mthokozisi Dlamini and Hollywoodbest Running Club member, Unathi Mngcwengi.
Luvo Ntezo is all smiles at the finish line.
Norma Noncembu and Mathoriso Nkholise supported runners on the route.
Key to the atmosphere and vibe was Durban North resident, Michael Cairns, who used his bagpipes to play a medley of tunes, including the musical score, Chariots of Fire, which has become synonymous with the Comrades.
The vibe from the crowds outside Moses Mabhida Stadium also provided a positive atmosphere for all the runners.
Shiraz has been a community journalist for the last 12 years and has a specific interest in everything sports. He holds a Bachelor of Arts undergrad degree and honours degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal where he majored in Communications, Anthropology and English.
