Hanri Cuthbertson, a Trinityhouse Little Falls teacher, participated in the 2025 Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 8. She ran the 90km race less than a year after becoming a mother and working full time as a teacher.
“I’ve always had a love for running,” she said. “After becoming a mom, I wanted to prove to myself that I could still take on big challenges.”
Hanri ran her first Comrades in 2023; this was her second, and she says this year’s experience felt different.
“I was more relaxed and focused on enjoying the race rather than stressing about time or performance.”
To prepare herself, Hanri explains that she trained early in the mornings before work, as it is the only time she can fit it in with her responsibilities. Her routine also includes short weekday runs alone and longer weekend sessions with her running club, RunZone.
“I lost all my race nutrition early on and had to improvise. Descending Fields Hill at the 64km mark was also tough.”
Hanri shared that even though she was fully prepared for the race, it did not come easily and without challenges.
When asked about the moments that stood out for her at the marathon, she said that the start of the race is always powerful, as thousands of South Africans sing together.
“And the final kilometre, with people cheering from the sidelines, is unforgettable,” Hanri said.
Crossing the finish line brought a strong sense of achievement for her.
“It made me feel like I could conquer anything,” she said. She further added that she plans to return to the race in future because once you’ve done the Comrades, it stays with you and no other race compares. Her advice for others who wish to run the marathon is to enjoy every part of it.
“You’ll look back and realise it was one of the best days of your life.”
