Comrades Marathon agony and ecstasy

The real run starts when you want to stop. That was how South Coast Striders’ captain Lynn van der Merwe described the epic race that is the Comrades Marathon.

This year, it was an Up Run, raced from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. It was won by Dutchman Piet Wiersma and Gerda Steyn (in record style).

Of the South Coast runners, Peter Brino Chidzungu shone, clocking a time of 07:18:51 to comfortably earn a silver medal.

Peter was humble afterwards, thanking everyone for their support, especially his training partners.

“Firstly, I would like to thank God first for giving me the strength to finish the marathon,” he said.

“I’m happy for all the Striders who took part and finished the race. This silver medal is for everyone on the South Coast. Dreams are possible, as I started by merely running the parkruns on Saturdays. Next year, I promise to improve on my result.”

Lynn said it had been a tough run for her in particular – she used up all by two minutes of the 12 hours available – but got there in the end.

“I’m so incredibly proud of every single Strider and grateful to every supporter.”

Samuel Naidoo described the essence of what Comrades means to runners.

“People might wonder if attempting a 12-hour run is sheer madness, but for me, it’s about more than just the race – it’s about endurance, sacrifice, and the joy that lingers long after the finish line,” he said.

“The real heroes of the day are those who cross the finish line within 12 hours. That moment, the culmination of months of training, mental fortitude, and physical exertion, is profoundly emotional.”

Ziyanda Adonis said she had thoroughly enjoyed the race:
“The route was tough. The pain was sweet, and the finish most rewarding. I missed my target by 90 seconds but improved by 30 minutes from last year.”

Veteran and highly respected runner Chris Mortimer completed his 37th Comrades with minimal fuss.

His son Luke ran as well, finishing about two hours ahead of his father. They were met at the finish by Chris’s two daughters, Grace and Hope. “As always, a hard but privileged day out,” he said succinctly.

At the other end of the spectrum was Yashiren Naidoo, who ran as a novice and was delighted with his result.

“My seconders were Adeline Jacobs (club chairman) and Becki Henderson (vice-captain), and they provided the required upliftment during the race. Thank you to them,” he said.

Overall, there were 22 South Coast Striders and 7 Ugu Athletics Club runners who finished the race before the cut-off, each with a story to tell.

Some started but didn’t finish. Maybe they will be back next year?

Looking ahead, the South Coast Marathon will take place on Sunday, September 22. For more info, contact Adeline Jacobs on 083 2366377 or southcoastriders.margate@gmail.com. Watch the press for details.

RESULTS
South Coast Striders (Medal)
Silver :
Peter Brino Chidzungu 07:18:51

Bill Rowan:
Bongani Mbhele 08:44:07
Wiseman Ncane 08:53:45

Robert Mtshali:
Mkhuliswa Mqadi 09:33:15
Josh Halle 09:43:43
Angela Bunge 09:44:46

Bronze:
Sigi Engelbrecht 10:18:46
James Clark 10:25:51
Chris Mortimer 10:55:06
Mawonga Cita 10:56:17

Vic Clapham:
Nkosinathi Shonga 11:01:13
Ziyanda Adonis 11:01:29
Zanele Dunywa 11:05:30
Steven Gill 11:13:36
Lerina Otto 11:14:25
Samuel Naidoo 11:16:14
Shaun Sellman 11:24:34
Yashiren Naidoo 11:28:08
Gert Veldman 11:30:28
Lennox Mtengwane 11:49:50
Tobias Ahlers 11:51:03
Lynn van der Merwe 11:58:16

Ugu Athletics Club (Medal):

Robert Mtshali:
Timothy Shangase 09:10:16
Bronze:
Weston Mvungusa 10:23:07
Thokozani Ngwazi 10:48:26
Alfred Lushaba 10:48:27
Vic Clapham:
Reshen Sookooram 11:50:15
Themba Derrick Maci 11:53:10
Diloshan Chetty 11:53:35

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram