Endumeni’s Comrades Marathon hopefuls received a warm send-off over the weekend as local running clubs united for two farewell runs ahead of Sunday’s race.

This year’s 99th Comrades Marathon is an up run, covering approximately 85.8km from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

Local runners show support

On Sunday, 18 athletes took part in a 10km run that started and finished at Oval Stadium, travelling through Dundee and Sibongile.

Organiser Sanele Ngema thanked runners for their support and said he hoped the event would strengthen unity among Endumeni’s running community.

The weekend’s activities began on Saturday when members of BBAC completed a 5km run from the Boulevard Centre and back, followed by a breakfast gathering at Wimpy.

BBAC organiser Siyabonga Ngobese said he was proud of the club’s strong Comrades contingent and wished all participants a safe and successful race.

Among the local runners lining up for Comrades are Xolani Mazibuko, aiming for his 25th medal, Sanele Nxumalo and Shane Hilliar, both chasing their 15th medals, and Simakahle Khumalo, Mmiseni Mazibuko and Ashleigh Hilliar, who are each targeting a third finish.

First-time Comrades runners Sduduzo Nkosi, Kirsten Greenhough and Ashton Hansmeyer will also be hoping to earn their maiden medals in the world’s biggest and oldest ultramarathon.

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