When Dorothy Bhatch was diagnosed with high blood pressure and faced ongoing health challenges, she never imagined that she would one day be preparing for one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons.

Now, the 42-year-old Thungela Athletics Club athlete is getting ready to tackle the 85.7km Comrades Marathon on June 14, determined to improve on the time she recorded in last year’s race.

“This is my third Comrades Marathon,” she said. “Last year I finished in 11 hours and 52 minutes. This year I want to do better and finish in around 11 hours and 20 minutes.”

Her journey into athletics began in 2022 after concerns about her health prompted her to make a lifestyle change.

Read more here: Tee off for a good cause

“I was sick and had high blood pressure. The doctor advised me to become active, and that’s when I started. I began by walking before gradually moving into running,” she said.

She credits fellow athlete Sibongile Magagula for introducing her to the sport that would ultimately transform her life.

“Sibongile introduced me to athletics, and since then I haven’t stopped. Running changed my life. I always say I was running away from the medication because I wanted to become healthier and take control of my life again,” she said.

What started as a health intervention soon became a passion.

“I fell in love with running. I never imagined that I would be running races like the Comrades Marathon when I first started. Today, it has become part of who I am,” she said.

This year’s golf day hosted by Casa Portuguesa is taking place for Solidariteit Helpende Hand and Ladies Circle 26’s projects for the needy
Read more: https://t.co/jvgJRL5mGg#WitbankNews #Emalahleni #Golf pic.twitter.com/WNXZI0ncIz

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) June 8, 2026

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