Morningside runner conquers illness and earns bronze at 2026 Comrades Marathon
After battling an autoimmune disease and chronic fatigue, Morningside Running Club runner, Cathy Mann, returned to the Comrades Marathon 19 years later and earned her second bronze medal.
Nineteen years after completing her first Comrades Marathon, Cathy Mann has once again crossed the finish line of South Africa’s most iconic race, earning her second bronze medal and achieving a goal she once believed was impossible.
The 51-year-old Morningside Running Club runner completed the 2026 Comrades Marathon in a time of 10:59, just four minutes slower than her debut finish of 10:55 nearly two decades ago.
Read more: Montrose Primary teacher shares his emotional Comrades story
For Mann, reaching the finish line was a remarkable achievement after a long battle with an autoimmune disease and chronic fatigue, which forced her to stop running for many years.
“I got very sick for quite a long time and really never thought I’d ever be able to run again,” she said.
“I had quite a long period of recovery, and my health has become really strong. I started running a bit with a friend, starting with 10km, then 21km, building to a 32km towards the end of 2025.”
“I’m happy that in 2026, I gave Comrades Marathon a chance. I’ve finished my second Comrades Marathon run in a time of 10:59 and earned a bronze medal, my second bronze medal.“
Ahead of the race, Mann had hoped to better her previous Comrades time.
Also read: Watch: Comrades Marathon hero helps collapsed runner finish race
Although she narrowly missed that target, she said the experience was far more rewarding than she could have imagined.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: After a 19-year absence from the Comrades Marathon and years of battling an autoimmune disease and chronic fatigue, 51-year-old runner from the Morningside Running Club Kathy Mann reflects on her journey at the 2026 Comrades Marathon after completing the race in 10:59 and earning another bronze medal. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #Comrades
♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North
“Before I went to Comrades, I was hoping to finish, improve in a time that was better than my previous time, which was 10.55. I went four minutes slower, but I’m still really proud of myself because I had a great run.”
Reflecting on race day, Mann said she felt stronger and enjoyed the challenge far more than she had during her first Comrades run.
“I felt really strong all the way through. There was a lot less suffering and a lot less complaining than the last time. I had a wonderful day, and it was a really enjoyable experience.”
Having successfully balanced training with the demands of motherhood, work and family life, Mann is already looking ahead to future editions of the race.
“I can’t wait to do more Comrades Marathons in future. Hopefully I can squeeze it in between looking after my kids and all my other responsibilities, but I’ll definitely be back.”
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