Charity Victory for Med Student and First-Time Comrades Runner

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‘Crossing that finish after 90km of what I consider the most brutal yet rewarding race I have ever done is surreal,’ is how UKZN third-year Medical student Mr Arnav Dasrath from Shallcross in eThekwini described his Comrades Marathon victory.

He is a first-time runner, one of the top 10 youngest male runners out of a field of 22 000 other runners in the 2025 Down Run field, and celebrated his 21^st birthday just a day before completing the Ultimate Human Race, raising just over R40 000 for the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa.

‘I have always wanted to run the Comrades ever since I was a young boy,’ said Dasrath. ‘As I grew up, my reason for running varied. This year, I ran the race in the hope that my journey would inspire people. I also ran to raise funds for the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa... Initially, the goal was to challenge myself and test the limits of the human body and mind, but as the journey progressed, it became so much more meaningful.’

Dasrath said his nerves settled in leading up to the race. ‘Coming in as a novice, there was no pressure on me to do anything besides give it my best, which is what I did. I just enjoyed all the support and experiences that the Ultimate Human Race had to offer.’

Impressively, Dasrath said his recovery from the race was excellent. ‘Just two days after the race and I was already back up and moving as if nothing happened. I give credit to my nutrition strategy and training plan which allowed me to listen to my body and take care of it throughout the training block and race.’

‘My family has been nothing but supportive of my journey. I was overwhelmed by the support both on the road and on social media from my closest relatives to people whom I have never seen before shouting my name on the road and cheering me on. This experience would not have been anywhere near as special without everyone around me. The supporters make the Comrades what it is. Overall, this experience has been nothing short of amazing and life-changing. From raising money and spreading awareness for such a great cause, to enjoying race day with my family and friends, to all the support that has come in from far and wide, it was truly amazing.’

Dasrath said everyone always says that once the Comrades bug bites, you keep coming back. ‘At the moment, I am just enjoying my journey, but who knows what will happen in 2026?’

Dasrath matriculated from Eden College Durban in 2022, scoring seven distinctions. He said what inspired him to become a Medical doctor was that he always wanted to make a positive impact on people’s lives. ‘Being a Medical doctor has been a dream of mine ever since I was a child. I have also realised that there are multiple ways to make a good difference whilst still studying, hence my reason for running and trying to make a positive impact in the fitness field.’

He said, in the future, he wished to combine both aspects - medical and fitness - in whatever way possible to continue spreading joy, helping those around him and raising awareness toward causes close to his heart.

‘Thus far in my Medical School journey, I would definitely have to say making new friends and creating lasting bonds has been a highlight. With the demands of Medical School, having a good circle around me has helped me balance everything that comes with being at university.’

Dasrath said he aspired to continue making an impact and helping others in whatever way possible.

At the height of COVID-19 between 2020 and 2021, Dasrath founded his own non-profit organisation, Linking Arms, which helps children on their scholastic journey: www.linkingarms.co.za.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Supplied