The Dutch Reformed Church in Memel buzzed with excitement as 160 runners and walkers from around the country came under starter’s orders for the annual Memel Walk early on Saturday, November 1.

At 06:30 the sound of a shot rang through the morning air marking the start of the epic 51.2km race.

And the winner is…..

55-year-old Azalia Motubane, from Johannesburg, was the first athlete to cross the finish line in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Though a Comrades runner, this was his first attempt tackling the Memel/Newcastle route.

“The last few kilometres were the toughest, but I mostly enjoyed the race and and certainly return in 2026,” Motubane said, soaking in his victory.

Congratulations to everyone who completed the event, especially the top 3:

• First place: Azalia Motubane
• Second place: Hailew Samayo
• Third place (and the first woman home): Nikiwe Ndlovu from Team Majuba TVET College.

Organiser Johan Pieters, thanked all the sponsors and traffic officials for ensuring the athletes’ safety on the road.

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