With the countdown to the Comrades Marathon under way, Panorama Running Club has officially sent off the 16 runners who will represent the club in this year’s race between Durban and Pietermaritzburg tomorrow, June 14.

Club members, family and supporters gathered for a send-off event to wish the runners well ahead of one of South Africa’s most iconic road-running events.

The Panorama squad features a mix of experienced Comrades runners and first-time participants. Celemusa Majola, Dumisani Bosoga and Mzwakhe Kubheka will be making their Comrades Marathon debuts.

Leading the club’s experienced contingent is Simon Segau, who is preparing for his 14th Comrades Marathon. Slungile Bosoga, Sibusiso Ngcobo and Isaac Mongae will be aiming to add another Comrades medal to their collections, while Matome Mogoboya and club chairperson Maritagane Mapheto are set to complete their fifth Comrades Marathon.

Club captain Johnny Lawler will be taking on the race for the fourth time. The women’s team includes Carol Kangwa and Portia Alexander.

According to Lawler, months of training have gone into preparing the squad for race day. One of the club’s key training runs is the “Golf Course to Golf Course” route – a 21km to 22km run that starts and finishes at Ruimsig Country Club and passes through Krugersdorp Golf Club.

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The route is regularly used as part of the club’s Comrades preparation programme and was completed by members of the squad during their final build-up to the race.

Addressing the runners at the send-off, Lawler encouraged them to remain focused on their goals.

“Whether you are a novice or a returning Comrades runner, finishing the Ultimate Human Race is one of the greatest achievements in endurance sport,” he said.

Mapheto urged the runners to trust their preparation and approach the race with patience.“Take it easy in the first half, stay disciplined, and race smart. In the second half, dig deep and give it your all,” he said.

The full Panorama Running Club team consists of Portia Alexander, Slungile Bosoga, Dumisani Bosoga, Dzidzai Paul Chari, Christopher Groenewald, Mark Johnstone, Carol Kangwa, Mzwakhe Kubheka, Johnny Lawler, Celemusa Majola, Maritagane Mapheto, Gangatha Mkele, Matome Mogoboya, Isaac Mongae, Sibusiso Ngcobo and Simon Segau.

The runners will join thousands of athletes from South Africa and abroad when they line up for the 2026 Comrades Marathon, tackling the 85.77km route and representing both their club and community.