UKZN Congratulates Comrades Marathon Runners

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UKZN congratulated all staff, students and alumni runners who participated in the 2023 Comrades Marathon.

Every year, the Comrades attracts runners from all over South Africa and the rest of the world who aim to finish in the fastest time possible or, for some, just finishing in the allowed time is good enough!

This year’s down run ended at Durban’s Kingsmead Stadium on Sunday, 11 June.

Leading up to the race, the University had hosted a pasta lunch to wish all the runners well for the race. In her welcome address at the lunch, Executive Director: Corporate Relations Ms Normah Zondo said taking part in the event made them winners and UKZN was proud to be associated with all of them as they put the University on the world map.

Programme director and veteran runner Mr Tony Singarum who participated in his 25^th marathon said that after his difficult race in 2022, he did not think he would be at the start line again this year. Completing his 25^th run qualifies Singarum a free entry in the Comrades for the rest of his running career.

Guest speakers included Ms Patricia Freeman, a member of the Comrades Board of Directors and one of three women who have completed the highest number of runs; Professor Reshma Sookrajh, honorary Professor of Education at UKZN, and Mr Ayanda Ndlovu, alumnus and a sports and development practitioner with expert knowledge of road running, recreation and development fields.

As the chairperson of the charities portfolio, Freeman encouraged runners to run for charities and get involved in fundraising initiatives to earn themselves a CC badge. Providing a brief background on her running career she shared tips for before and after the race.

Author of the book, Running to Finish, Sookrajh has completed 10 Comrades Marathons, securing the coveted green number in perpetuity. After having to give up running Comrades for health reasons, she said she took refuge in writing about the event. She says there is something enigmatic about running the race and each time it was a fresh start. Advising the runners, she said: ‘Run from one gunshot to the other gunshot. As soon as you hit the single numbers or you see the 9km mark, don’t you dare give up. Always postpone the decision to bail.’

Running his third Comrades, Ndlovu said the Marathon was the oldest and best ultra-marathon in the world and running it helped him fight depression and the urge to take his own life. ‘Always remember why you started. Comrades makes you realise that you can achieve anything you want in life,’ said Ndlovu.

He continues to run in UKZN colours even though he left the University several years ago.

UKZN Sports staff member Mr Rendani Mudau ran his 19^th Comrades while Mr Mhlengi Makhoba completed his 10th race.

University Relations Director Ms Xoliswa Zulu congratulated the runners for taking part and urged them to keep flying the UKZN flag high.

Words: Sithembile Shabangu

Photograph: Albert Hirasen