2026 Comrades done and dusted for Mokopane runners
Potties Athletics Club runners shone at the Comrades Marathon with personal bests, a Robert Mtshali medal, and bronze finishes in the gruelling up-run.
MOKOPANE – Athletes from the Potties Athletics Club are beaming with pride after their outstanding performances in the 2026 Comrades Marathon.
The runners’ dedication, commitment and year-long training, even through the cold winter months, paid off as they took on the ultimate test of endurance. The 99th edition of the world-renowned Comrades Marathon was run last Sunday, and the up-run route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg attracted 21 633 runners from across the world.
The overall winner was George Kusche with a time of 05:15:56 and after him was the Dutchman, Piet Wiersma (05:19:36).
The women’s race was won by Gerda Steyn, crossing the finish line in an impressive 05:44:53, with Nobukhosi Tshuma in second place (05:53:36).
Among the brave were 14 runners from Potties Athletics Club who took on the grueling challenge.
Cecilia Ferreira led the Potties contingent with a personal best time of 09:06:02. “The Comrades was very nice, my best up-run yet. I think because I put a lot into my training, it was just better on my body. The atmosphere at Comrades is just amazing the supporters carry you. It was very nice to see people from Potties along the way who supported me a lot. I received the Robert Mtshali medal this year,” she said.
Stephen Smit ran his sixth Comrades and completed the race in 09:35:39.
“I enjoyed seeing all the celebrities along the way supporting him. I realised again that the Comrades remains a very special race,” said Stephen. Mogobe Mashishi ran a personal best time of 09:40:03.
Sello Mobotja finished his fourth Comrades in 10:04:10. “The Comrades was very hard and exciting and I enjoyed every step of the way. I received a bronze medal. The journey was long and very difficult but I managed to pull throughout the difficulties,” said Sello.
Khomotso Mashishi crossed the line in 10:43:26 and Hessie de Witt completed her first Comrades in 10:51:48.
“It was truly an experience; the road was very long and very hard but God carried me where my legs no longer wanted to run. The thoughts of my children and my husband who believe in me gave me the strength to finish. I received the bronze medal. The people who cheer and support you are truly something to experience,” said Hessie.
Sarie Coetzee, a seasoned veteran, finished her 28th Comrades in 11:02:43. “The Comrades is always difficult. There is always a good spirit among the athletes. I am very grateful for my 28th medal,” she said. Lesiba Letaha (67) finished the race in 11:06:00 .
Zamé Bodenstein complete her first Comrades in 11:19:59, and Helena van Staden gave her best and complete the race in 11:23:51. Stephan Ferreira ran his first Comrades in a time of 11:29:33. Annemari Kruger crossed the finish line in 11:33:44 and Tienie van Wyngaard concluded the race in 11:45:20.
