EVERY Comrades Marathon runner carries a story of perseverance and determination. Capturing those emotions in a single design was what Wentworth graphic designer Kelly Damos was tasked to do, when she was selected to design this year’s Comrades Marathon official T-shirt. 

Also read: Wentworth runner completes his first Comrades Marathon

Damos, who specialises in visual branding, apparel design and creative concept development, said this opportunity marked a significant milestone in her budding career and something that took a lot of time to process emotionally. 

“It was both exciting and humbling to receive the news. Opportunities like this remind you that people trust your vision. I felt incredibly grateful and honoured, and it really motivated me to create something meaningful and impactful,” said Damos. 

Creating the design

Tasked with capturing the essence of the iconic ultramarathon, Damos decided to look beyond mere aesthetics. She focused instead on the people who brought life to the event. 

The Comrades Marathon is widely recognised to be more than just a sporting event. Every year, thousands of runners embarked on a gruelling journey that pushed their endurance, determination and resilience to their limits. 

Understanding the profound significance of the race and the personal stories behind those who participated became a crucial part of Damos’s creative process. 

“The design is inspired by the spirit, purpose and significance of the Comrades. I wanted to create something that not only looks strong visually but also carries meaning, something that truly represents the extraordinary people taking part. It is really about unity and self-expression, creating a design that individuals can connect with personally, while still feeling part of something bigger,” she said. 

The goal, according to Damos, was to marry the concepts of creativity and storytelling and purpose to make something the runners would be proud to wear.

Stepping into Damos’ mind

While the idea of bringing these concepts together seemed easy in her mind, Damos admitted that designing requires a process.

“My process always starts with understanding the story behind the project. From there, I explore ideas through research, inspiration, and sketching before refining the final direction. To get into a creative mindset, I listen to music, explore visual references, and spend time reflecting on the message I want to communicate. As a person of faith, listening to gospel music really helps me find clarity and direction, especially when I hit creative blocks,” she said. 

While the opportunity to design the t-shirt brough excitement, it also came with an exorbitant amount of pressure and responsibility.

“The design needed to stand out visually but also translate well onto a t-shirt and resonate with a broad audience. There’s also a level of pressure with something like this; you want to make sure the final design truly represents the event and creates something memorable,” said Damos. 

A group effort

Though the spotlight is currently on Damos, she acknowledged everyone who supported her throughout the process.

“I would like to thank everyone at Mr Price Sport for trusting me with this opportunity, and a special thank you to my team, Riley Geogre and Sibusiso Cele for believing in me and my ideas. It is always a collaborative effort, even if it looks like a solo project on the surface. And above all, I thank God for the opportunities and for guiding my creative journey,” said Damos. 

Reflecting on the journey, Damos hopes the design would serve a purpose beyond mere official race apparel. Design, for her, is more than just visuals, it is about telling stories and bringing people together. 

“I’m grateful to contribute to something that holds so much meaning, and I hope the design reflects the passion and spirit behind it,” she said. 

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