Comrades Marathon – A Triumph of the Human Spirit

Comrades Marathon – A Triumph of the Human Spirit

More than 18 800 runners set off from Durban’s City Hall to tackle the ultimate human race, the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, 9 June.

Winding their way on the 85,9km “up run” to Pietermaritzburg was an intrepid group of UKZN staff, students and alumni.

PhD candidate in Physics, Mr Mzwandile Mhlongo spoke on behalf of the runners who ran under Team UKZN’s banner. Mhlongo congratulated his fellow athletes and thanked the Sports Union staff and the University for their support this year. ‘All UKZN athletes who participated in this year’s Comrades Marathon managed to cross the finish line on time, so we have 100% finish! This would have not been possible without your support and we are grateful. Only three members couldn’t participate in the race due to injuries and family emergencies,’ said Mhlongo. He noted that all the UKZN athletes had done the race previously – some running their second or third race, and even getting the coveted green number (10 races).

‘The club has great records for this big event, and we all kept that standing for the club. We hope to grow the club and the UKZN brand,’ he said.

UKZN staff member and veteran Comrades runner, Mr Tony Singarum said this was his most physically challenging run ever. Singarum was injured in the days running up to the Marathon at his home in Tongaat which was damaged in the tornado which swept through the town in KwaZulu-Natal.

He made his way to the starting line on the day of the race, and didn’t plan to run, but his determination and commitment spurred him on and he crossed the finish line after 12 hours and three minutes.

Singarum said while his home was affected, so many people’s homes and lives were devastated by the tornado. He thanked everyone who has contributed to tornado relief efforts and also thanked his colleagues at the University for their warm wishes and messages of support.

UKZN’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Nana Poku congratulated the UKZN runners: ‘Over the years, the race has become a symbol of the unyielding spirit that drives individuals to push beyond their limits. Among the participants are members of the UKZN family, including staff members, students, alumni, and stakeholders. To each of them, we extend our heartfelt encouragement and best wishes.’

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer

Photograph: Supplied