A group of local runners competed in the 2026 Comrades Marathon on June 14, showing remarkable resilience, determination and discipline throughout the gruelling race.

Reaching the finish line is what inspired each runner to overcome physical and mental challenges along the way.

Runners celebrate major milestones

• Ndumiso Zulu completed his 13th Comrades Marathon in 9 hours and 59 minutes.
• Thabo Matubatuba finished his seventh race in 11 hours and 47 minutes.
• Celani Myeza completed his 10th Comrades Marathon in 9 hours and 56 minutes to earn his Green Number status.
• Thulani Msane completed his 16th race in 11 hours and 27 minutes.
• Team coach Mlungisi Nkosi, together with Delani Ngcobo, completed their second consecutive races in 10 hours and 19 minutes.
• Dr Musa Hlongwane finished his fifth Comrades Marathon in 9 hours and 56 minutes.

The runners said the support from family, friends and spectators along the route played an important role in helping them push through the difficult moments.

“Although we expected challenges, the race was brutal and demanding. The hills are extremely difficult – you climb and climb, and at some points you have to walk because they are impossible to run. Inchanga and Polly Shorts are among the toughest sections,” they said.

Runners look ahead to 2027 milestone race

Despite the difficulties, the runners described completing the race as a rewarding experience and confirmed their intention to do it again for the 100th Comrades Marathon celebration in 2027.

“We would like to thank all Newcastillians who supported us, as well as everyone who took part,” they said.

They ended off by saying that running is definitely one of the healthiest and most rewarding hobbies, offering people the opportunity to challenge themselves while building strength, discipline and community connections.

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