Polokwane clubs send over 200 runners to Comrades
Three Polokwane athletics clubs have sent off more than 200 runners ahead of the Comrades Marathon's legendary "Up Run" on June 14.
POLOKWANE – With the 2026 Comrades Marathon just days away, three Polokwane athletics clubs have held send-off ceremonies for their runners, with more than 265 athletes from PAC and Mzansi AC alone set to take on the legendary “Up Run” on June 14.
Polokwane Athletic Club: 170 runners
The Polokwane Athletic Club (PAC) gave 170 runners an official send-off at Park Inn by Radisson Polokwane, with club members and supporters gathering to celebrate.
PAC chairperson Thabana Mokgohloa revealed that club runners have earned 743 Comrades medals over the years. This year’s contingent includes 28 novices, 20 runners aiming for back-to-back finishes, and 24 athletes chasing green numbers (awarded for 10 finishes).
“I will never send a troop to the Comrades Marathon and not lead them. I will lead by example and be there, running every step of the way,” Mokgohloa said.
As one of South Africa’s top 10 athletics clubs, PAC is aiming even higher. “Next year we aim for 200,” Mokgohloa added.
Comrades icon Bra Ally Moshokoa, who is chasing his double green number this year, shared words of encouragement drawn from his years of experience. Double green number holder Colinda Potgieter, a guest of honour, reflected on her time representing PAC between 2001 and 2008.
“Those eight years were the most wonderful time of my life. Back then, only 50 to 60 runners took part in Comrades. When chairperson Thabana told me there are 170 runners participating this year, I was very impressed,” Potgieter said.
Pietersburg Road Runners: First-timers and milestone chasers
Pietersburg Road Runners (PRR) hosted their annual goodie bag event, encouraging members ahead of the race.
Among the club’s first-time Comrades runners are Tamarin de Bruin, Nicole Erasmus and Franco Rabe, who will compete as novices.
Four runners will join the prestigious Going for Green Club after completing their 10th Comrades Marathon: Annelise Burke, John Mabogoane, Reckson Nemukula and Frikkie Roos. Reaching this milestone earns a yellow race number and special treatment at the finish.
At 60, Reckson Nemukula will be the oldest male runner representing the club, while Noelene Maré, aged 61, is the oldest female participant.
Ounooi Breedt will be aiming for a Bill Rowan Medal (awarded to runners finishing between 7:30 and 9:00), while Lize-Marie Opperman will aim for her second. Angelique Liversage and Chené Potgieter will attempt the Back2Back achievement for consecutive finishes.
Mzansi Athletics Club: 95 runners
Mzansi Athletics Club held its send-off ceremony at Golden Pillow, with 95 runners set to represent the club and supporters bringing the total travelling contingent to 120 members.
Chairperson Bilisi Rambiyana wished the runners well but hinted that this could be his last Comrades at the helm.
“Comrades, this may be the last Comrades send-off where I’ll be chairperson, so please go out there and represent the club well, do your best and come out strong,” he said.
Head coach Lufuno Mudau, who has run more than 10 Comrades himself, introduced around 10 novices and recognised four back-to-back runners.
“Good luck to all our runners. Let’s bring back those green numbers and medals,” Mudau said.
The road ahead
All three clubs’ runners will take on the legendary “Up Run” on June 14, starting at Durban City Hall and finishing at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
Runners from PAC, PRR and Mzansi AC have all received goody bags and race essentials ahead of the big day.
