Bhekisisa ready and all set to tackle Comrades Marathon
Bhekisisa has been making history in the streets for more than two decades, and he’s now set for the ultimate human race.
The countdown has begun, and eMalahleni is rallying in support of Bhekisisa Dladla (36), our own athlete who is ready to take on the legendary Comrades Marathon.
The race will officially take place on June 14. This year’s race features the iconic ‘Up Run’, beginning at the Durban City Hall and finishing 87km later at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
With years of preparation, countless races behind him, and a burning passion for running, Bhekisisa believes the time has come to prove himself in the ultimate human race.
Born on June 12, 1990, Bhekisisa’s journey into athletics started at Nkonjane Primary School in 2002. It was there that he first discovered his love for running, a passion that grew stronger when he met Emmanuel Mabaso at the National School Championship. Emmanuel introduced him to professional running, setting the stage for a career that would take him far beyond his early school days.
While at Elukhanyisweni Secondary School, Bhekisisa recalls being selected to represent South Africa in a cross-country race in Ireland, a milestone that confirmed his potential.
In 2010, he co-founded the Nkangala Athletics Academy, and by 2012, he was serving as deputy chairperson, overseeing the Witbank branch.
His breakthrough moment came in 2014, when he won the Shanduka 5-in-1 Race, leading to an interview with a journalist from WITBANK NEWS. That interview, Bhekisisa recalled, was the spark that ignited his vision to one day run the Comrades Marathon.
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Ten years later, that vision is becoming reality. After joining the Emalahleni City Marathon in 2024, he began a focused training programme for Comrades.
In 2025, he supported fellow ECM runners during the race, observing the grit and determination required to finish. Those experiences, combined with his own race results, convinced him that he is ready, as he marked a 50km finish at the Loskop Marathon Series 2026 in three hours 24 minutes and a 42.2km finish at the TracN4 Elands Marathon in two hours 52 minutes.
Bhekisisa credits his family’s support as a driving force behind his success, alongside sponsorships from several companies. “Through this difficult journey I learned discipline, perseverance, commitment and determination,” Bhekisisa said.
As a novice runner, Bhekisisa is aiming for a silver medal, targeting a finish time under seven hours and 30 minutes.
“As a novice, I can’t wait to sing the National Anthem and Shosholoza song at the starting line-up on June 14. To our youth, perseverance brings happiness – never lose hope, no matter how long it may take – stay focused and say no to alcohol and drugs,” he said.
Joseph to celebrate 6 decades of existence with Comrades Marathon challenge
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) June 9, 2026
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