Durban North’s Jenna Challenor shows unstoppable spirit at Comrades finish

NOTHING epitomises the Comrades Marathon spirit quite like Durban North resident Jenna Challenor’s crawl across the finish line.

Spurred on by the adoring home crowd at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, and by hundreds of thousands watching on their TVs, Challenor crawled over the finish line to claim fourth place at this year’s marathon.

Perhaps another reason why the race is known for its camaraderie was the support by two runners alongside Challenor, who encouraged her to cross the finish line.

“That finish took all of me, but I’m absolutely fine. I was cramping for the last few kilometres. I slipped on the concrete surface at the entrance to the stadium, and I just couldn’t get up. I could hear the crowd shouting and encouraging me to get up, and they really made a difference on the day.

“The whole way through, the crowds were unbelievable; they certainly put international marathons to shame. I couldn’t stop smiling on the day. There is nothing like the Comrades crowd and the support they show. I must also thank the two runners who helped clap me on to the finish line. That was so special,” she said.

Challenor said it was emotional seeing her husband, Brett, and daughters, Rylee-Kai, Nicolette and Tao, rush to the finish line to welcome her.

“I got so emotional seeing them waiting at the finish line with open arms. One of my career highlights with my first Comrades was running into their arms, and to be able to experience that again after having gone through what I did was indescribable,” she said.

This was only her second Comrades Marathon since 2019, where she finished sixth.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Challenor’s incredible crawl across the finish line.

Crawl to the finish line?! I doff my hat to you, Jenna Challenor 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😍😍 #ComradesMarathon

— Motshidisi E. Mohono (@MotshidisiM) August 28, 2022

My heart when I saw 🥺❤️ Jenna Challenor the South African woman who 𝘾𝙍𝘼𝙒𝙇𝙀𝘿 to the finish line to come in fourth at the 2022 Comrades Marathon.

What a fighting spirit!!!! #ComradesMarathon2022

— Khanya Thembane (@noksy_k) August 28, 2022

Having the #ComradesMarathon2022 return today was absolutely fantastic.
To everyone who competed in the race, well done and congratulations!!#JennaChallenor how u managed to salvage your race, my friend, I'll never know. U are such an inspiration. Well done and FRIGGING awesome.

— Dr. Samantha O'Neill (@SamONeillSA) August 28, 2022

Watching comrades is a full time sports, the way we cheered for Jenna Challenor ❤ at the end 🇿🇦

— NginguDumakude (@NginguDumakude) August 28, 2022

Jenna Challenor literally crawls to 4th place, that was stressful to watch. Meanwhile Galaletsang Mekgoe looking fresh, smiling from ear to ear crossing the line for 5th place. This sport is incredible to watch #ComradesMarathon2022 #ComradesMarathon

— Raff (@Ok_Raff) August 28, 2022