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Comrades 2026: Kusche and Steyn rewrite history and win millions

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, NewsLeave a Comment on Comrades 2026: Kusche and Steyn rewrite history and win millions
By Adnaan Mohamed

PIETERMARITZBURG – George Kusche and Gerda Steyn delivered one of the most remarkable days in Comrades Marathon history on Sunday, smashing long-standing Up Run records and each walking away with more than R2.3 million in prize money and incentive bonuses.

On a shortened 85.777km route, the fastest in recorded Up Run history, expectations of rapid times proved well founded as both champions produced performances that rewrote the record books.

Kusche stormed to victory in 5:15:56, obliterating the previous men’s Up Run record of 5:24:49 set by Leonid Shvetsov in 2008. His average pace of 3:40.99 per kilometre also eclipsed Vladimir Kotov’s long-standing benchmark for the best average pace.

Dutch defending champion Piet Wiersma finished second in 5:19:36, with South Africa’s Mbuti Mollo taking third in 5:21:31 after leading for much of the race. Great Britain’s Alex Milne and Japan’s Haruki Okayama also dipped beneath the previous course record, underlining the extraordinary pace of the contest.

For Kusche, the victory only became real at the finish line.

George Kusche stormed to victory and obliterated the previous men’s Up Run record and set a new benchmark for the best average pace.

“I honestly didn’t believe I was going to win until I crossed the finish line. Comrades is extremely hard mentally, and there was no way I could know that they were not going to catch me, so I pushed as hard as I could and hoped that nobody would pass me.”

The South African, who finished 12th on debut a year ago, made his decisive move after Mollo began to struggle late in the race and never looked back.

“Comrades is a nerve-wrecking experience. This past week it was very hard to think about anything except the Comrades, and I’m very grateful that everything worked out as planned. It’s a bit of a gamble by going out early, but luckily it paid off this time around,” he said.

Steyn was equally dominant in the women’s race, clocking 5:44:53 to improve on the Up Run record she established in 2024. She also lowered her own best average pace mark while securing a fifth Comrades title, made up of three Up Run victories and two Down Run triumphs.

“It is an honour to come away with another Comrades Marathon win and a new course record. It’s what I have been dreaming of and working for since the start of the year,” Steyn said.

“I ran this Comrades as if it was my last race, but after crossing the finish line I already know it was far from my last. I can’t imagine my life without this race and I’m already looking forward to the 2027 centenary edition.”

Zimbabwe’s Nobukhosi Tshuma claimed second in 5:53:36 after overcoming significant personal sacrifices during her preparation, while South Africa’s Irvette van Zyl completed the podium in 6:02:30.

The record-breaking performances also produced record-breaking rewards.

Kusche and Steyn each earned R2.322 million through victory prize money, the Cell C top-up, first South African incentives, Up Run record bonuses and the Cell C average pace incentive.

Comrades Marathon Association general manager Alain Dalais described the event as an outstanding rehearsal for next year’s centenary edition.

“We are incredibly proud of the 2026 race and our two record-breaking winners. George Kusche lived up to the pre-race expectation by shattering the men’s Up Run record, while Gerda Steyn joined some of the most illustrious legends of this great race with five wins.

“It was a fantastic elite race with record-breaking performances and a truly fitting spectacle for the 50th edition of the Up Run.”

Results of the 2026 Comrades Marathon

Top 10 Men
1 George Kusche              Nedbank Running Club GN                         South Africa                            5:15:56
2 Piet Wiersma                 Nedbank Running Club International           Netherlands                              5:19:36
3 Mbuti Mollo                  Maxed Elite KZN                                          South Africa                             5:21:31
4 Alex Milne                    Nedbank Running Club International           Great Britain                             5:22:29
5 Haruki Okayama           Nedbank Running Club International           Japan                                      5:24:46
6 Charles Lawrence          adidas                                                           United States of America         5:27:08
7 Lloyd Bosman               Nedbank Running Club SWD                      South Africa                             5:28:53
8 Nikolai Volkov               Nedbank Running Club International          ANA                                         5:28:59
9 Vasilii Korytkin             Kemerovo Runners                                      ANA                                         5:29:29
10 Tebogo Pulusa             Dwarsrivier Mine Athletic Club                   South Africa                             5:29:40

Top 10 Women
1 Gerda Steyn                   Hollywood Athletic Club CGA                      South Africa 5:44:53
2 Nobukhosi Tshuma        Entsika                                                         Zimbabwe 5:53:36
3 Irvette van Zyl                Hollywood Athletic Club CGA                      South Africa 6:02:30
4 Shelmith Muruiki           Entsika                                                         Kenya 6:06:38
5 Naomi Robinson            Nedbank Running Club International Great Britain 6:07:55
6 Loveness Madziva         Nedbank Running Club Zimbabwe Zimbabwe 6:09:54
7 Courtney Olsen             Hollywood Athletic Club International          United States of America 6:11:20
8 Dikiledi Majara             Nedbank Running Club AFS                       Lesotho 6:12:29
9 Jenet Mbhele                 Umzimkhulu Striders                                    South Africa 6:13:08
10 Carla Molinaro             Hollywood Athletic Club International        Great Britain 6:14:04

Tete Dijana and Piet Wiersma in blockbuster Comrades showdown

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Adnaan Mohamed

Three proven Comrades Marathon champions. Three very different motivations. One famous road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

The men’s elite race at Sunday’s Comrades Marathon has the ingredients of a modern classic, with defending Down Run champion Tete Dijana chasing history, 2024 Up Run winner Piet Wiersma hunting unfinished business and 2019 champion Edward Mothibi quietly building confidence inside a formidable Hollywood Athletics Club squad.

For Dijana, preparation has followed a familiar script.

The three-time Down Run champion says an injury-free training block and altitude camp in Dullstroom have laid a solid platform for another assault on the title, with the biggest adjustment coming in mindset rather than methodology.

“The preparation went well and injury free,” Dijana said.

“Our training stays more or less the same because the hills are always there, but mentally you have to approach it differently and put more emphasis on strength.”

Hollywood’s backing has also given him confidence throughout the campaign, although the defending champion is not buying into suggestions that there is no pressure.

“I’m defending. I have to deliver and make history for myself,” he said.

Alongside him is Mothibi, whose move to Hollywood has strengthened an already imposing purple challenge.

The 2019 winner says he has largely trusted the methods that brought success in previous years, with extra focus placed on improving speed to match a younger generation of contenders.

Hollywood AC’s Happy Bunch taking a break during training. Photo: Supplied

He believes some of his biggest rivals are the athletes he trains with every day.

“Tete is part of our Happy Bunch,” Mothibi said. “I know how fit those guys are because I train with them. Those are the competitors I understand best.”

Mothibi also praised Hollywood’s athlete-first approach, saying the club creates an environment free from unnecessary pressure while giving runners every opportunity to perform.

Standing in their way is Wiersma, whose remarkable rise has transformed him into one of the race’s biggest stars.

The Dutchman insists being labelled defending champion feels strange after winning the last Up Run rather than last year’s Down Run, though he believes this could be the strongest preparation of his career.

“I’ve done the best training of my life,” Wiersma said.

After overcoming illness earlier in the season and maintaining a carefully controlled routine, he arrives convinced he has given himself every possible chance.

His respect for Dijana and Mothibi remains evident despite the changing club colours.

“Before the race and after the race we’re friends,” he said.

“During the race we don’t show each other mercy, no matter what colours we’re wearing.”

Perhaps the strongest insight into Wiersma’s mindset comes from his description of unfinished business.

He has finished second by seconds, won while narrowly missing the course record and again fallen agonisingly short of victory.

Now he believes the depth of this year’s field could produce something special.

“With a field this strong, there’s a very high chance the course record will be broken,” he said.

For Wiersma, Comrades has changed his life, providing the platform to pursue professional running full time after shelving plans for a PhD.

Living and training in Kenya has also reshaped his perspective.

“The mindset there is incredible,” he said. “People wake up every day knowing they have to do everything right because it affects what happens months later.”

By sunrise on Sunday, predictions will count for little.

The road from Durban to Pietermaritzburg has a habit of humbling favourites and elevating dreamers.

If Dijana’s pursuit of history, Mothibi’s experience and Wiersma’s relentless ambition unfold as expected, the 2026 Comrades Marathon could produce another chapter worthy of its legendary status.

Queen Gerda ready to climb again as fifth title beckons

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The numbers attached to Gerda Steyn’s career are extraordinary, though the woman herself continues to speak with the calm certainty of someone more interested in preparation than praise.

Four Comrades Marathon victories. Seven Two Oceans Ultra Marathon titles. Countless records and unforgettable performances.

On Sunday, the Hollywood Athletics Club star will line up in Durban chasing a fifth Comrades crown, convinced that another carefully crafted build-up has left her exactly where she wants to be.

“I can’t believe we are here again. It feels like yesterday that we were lining up for the down run of 2025,” Steyn told Modern Athlete in an exclusive interview.

“I’m very excited to line up this year. The training has gone really well. The Up Run is my favourite direction. I’m really excited, so I can’t wait for Sunday.”

That preference is rooted in both emotion and experience.

Steyn says the climb to Pietermaritzburg rewards discipline, patience and intelligent pacing, qualities that have become trademarks of her racing style.

“I think the Up Run suits me as a type of athlete that I am. It is a lot to do with pacing yourself well, conserving your energy very well in the first half and running smart. You need a lot of strength to compete well in the Up Run.”

It also carries sentimental value.

“It was my first ever Comrades Marathon, so that’s how I fell in love with the race. To line up again this year is very special.”

As in previous campaigns, Steyn spent much of her preparation in the Alps following the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, using the relentless climbs and descents to sharpen her endurance.

“I’ve always done the exact same routine. I feel like it’s the right thing for me to do. I can focus 100% on running and you either go steep up or steep down, which really complements the training.”

She returned to South Africa earlier than usual and settled in Dullstroom, where familiar surroundings and sessions alongside Hollywood teammates provided a valuable psychological lift.

“We were fortunate enough to share the roads with Tete, Edward and Johannes and the rest of the Hollywood guys. They are such a positive group with a wonderful dynamic. It was a great way to finish the training and line up with excitement.”

With another slightly shortened Up Run route, speculation around a possible course record has gathered momentum.

Steyn refuses to be distracted.

“My first goal is really to defend my title. If that comes with a record and I feel good on the day and everything goes according to plan, I’m sure it is possible.”

Looking back at her preparation compared to 2024, she believes there is room for something special.

“I think there’s room for it. Everything has to go according to plan and I mustn’t focus on the record so much that I forget to focus.”

It is a mindset that has carried her to the summit of South African ultra-distance running before.

On Sunday, she will trust it again.

Cape Town races into history as Africa’s first Marathon Major

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Cape Town has crossed a finish line decades in the making.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially become the first Abbott World Marathon Major on African soil after passing the second and final stage of its assessment process, securing its place among the sport’s most prestigious races.

From 2027, Cape Town will stand alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York in what has long been marathon running’s most exclusive club, a landmark moment for a continent that has produced generations of distance-running greats.

CAPE TOWN MARATHON. 24 MAY 2026.

“It gives me huge pleasure to welcome Cape Town to the family,” said Abbott World Marathon Majors CEO Dawna Stone.

“After watching the race grow in size and stature during its candidacy and also seeing the resilience and dedication of the team lead so wonderfully by Clark Gardner, Africa’s first Major has finally arrived. The unique culture, the welcome from the people of the city and the wonderful setting Cape Town provides will bring a whole new dimension to our series. I know runners in Africa and across the world will have a phenomenal experience at this race.”

The announcement marks the culmination of years of planning and community support, with organisers repeatedly highlighting the role played by runners, volunteers, clubs, sponsors and city partners in helping the event meet the demanding criteria.

“This achievement belongs to every person who believed in and committed to this vision,” said race director and CEO Clark Gardner.

“We could never have reached this moment alone. Our runners carried us to the numbers we needed, our sponsors and partners stood firm beside us even when the 2025 race could not go ahead, and our supporters, club captains, residents and service providers each played their part. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon stands as proof that when Africa comes together, we can achieve anything. This victory belongs to all of them.”

The significance stretches far beyond one city or one race.

For years, African athletes have dominated the global marathon scene while many recreational runners faced the financial burden of travelling overseas to experience a Major. Cape Town’s elevation changes that equation, with organisers committing to keeping two-thirds of race entries available to African participants.

Sanlam Group CEO Paul Hanratty described the announcement as “a collective victory”.

“For 13 years, Sanlam has been part of this journey, walking alongside the event as a committed partner and supporting its growth into a world-class platform. We hope this moment inspires people across Africa to dream bigger, go further and live with confidence.”

The event also carries significant economic value, with projections suggesting it could contribute around R800 million through tourism, accommodation and related spending.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. Image Fahwaaz Cornelius

“For Cape Town to be the home of an Abbott World Marathon Majors race is an incredible moment for our city,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

“Achieving this milestone will contribute greatly to Cape Town’s economy, inspire future generations of runners, and leave a legacy for the sport across Africa.”

For a continent that has long supplied many of marathon running’s brightest stars, the road has finally curved home. Africa is no longer chasing the world’s biggest races. It now hosts one.

Gerda Steyn says Comrades’ real race begins in the mind

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Defending champion Gerda Steyn believes every Comrades Marathon runner reaches a point where determination matters more than physical strength, with the 2026 edition set to celebrate the 50th official Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

Steyn’s message comes as thousands prepare for one of South Africa’s most iconic sporting events, a race renowned for its unforgiving climbs and emotional finish-line drama.

“Comrades will always humble you at some point in the journey,” said the South African Olympian and ultra-marathon star. “The hardest moments are often where the race truly begins mentally. Sometimes all it takes is one reminder to keep moving forward.”

The Hollywood Athletic Club runner’s comments resonate with one of the race’s anticipated focal points, the gruelling 70km Raptor Rescue turnoff, where OMO will host its Stay Unbeatable Arch and water station to encourage runners during one of the route’s most demanding stretches.

OMO’s Stay Unbeatable Arch will be stationed at 70km on the Comrades 2026 Up Run route Photo: Credit OMO

The 2026 race also embraces the theme “Ska Fela Moya”, meaning “Don’t Give Up”, a message that reflects the resilience associated with the Comrades Marathon and the mental battle Steyn believes defines the event.

Another highlight will be the celebration of the Green Number Club, reserved for athletes who have completed 10 or more Comrades Marathons, earned five gold medals or claimed three victories. Their permanent race numbers remain among the event’s most respected symbols of consistency and endurance.

The 50th official Up Run adds further significance to this year’s race, with competitors facing famous climbs including Cowies Hill, Fields Hill and Polly Shortts before reaching Pietermaritzburg.

OMO, now in its second year of involvement with the ultra-marathon, says its Stay Unbeatable campaign aligns closely with the resilience displayed by runners and supporters throughout the event.

“Every year, the Comrades Marathon reminds South Africans what resilience truly looks like,” said Elizabeth Mokwena, Unilever South Africa’s Executive Marketing Director: Home Care.

“At OMO, we celebrate the people who keep going when life gets tough, whether it’s runners pushing through pain, families supporting from the sidelines, or everyday South Africans overcoming stains in their own lives. That’s why Comrades is such a powerful platform for our Stay Unbeatable message. It reflects the determination, heart, and refusal to give up that inspire the nation every year.”

The race’s emotional climax will once again arrive at the 12-hour cut-off, where exhausted runners chase the finish line against the clock in scenes that have become synonymous with the Comrades Marathon.

For Steyn, that spirit defines the event more than medals or records. The road eventually tests every athlete, and the greatest challenge often begins long after the legs have started to fade.

Zakithi Nene Strikes Stockholm Gold with Brilliant Diamond League Victory

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Zakithi Nene returned to familiar territory and found familiar glory.

The South African quarter-miler stormed to victory in the men’s 400m at the BAUHAUS-galan Diamond League meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, on Sunday, claiming the second Diamond League triumph of his career at the very stadium where his first arrived three years ago.

Running from the lonely outpost of lane nine, Nene sliced through the Stockholm air like a blade through silk, producing a composed and commanding performance to cross the line in 44.48 seconds. American Jacory Patterson chased him home in 44.69, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards secured third place with a season’s best 44.87.

The 28-year-old looked as though he had borrowed a page from the stadium’s memory book. Stockholm, it seems, has become his athletic love letter. The historic arena practically winked at him as he powered off the final bend and held firm down the home straight.

In an era where stopwatches are treated like royalty and fractions of a second receive more attention than some politicians, Nene’s victory carried weight beyond the clock. It was a statement wrapped in speed.

After the race, Nene reflected on the significance of returning to the venue where his Diamond League journey first blossomed, describing Stockholm as a special place in his career and expressing delight at securing another victory on Swedish soil.

His triumph highlighted another encouraging day for South African athletics. Sinesipho Dlambini produced an impressive run to finish second in the men’s 200m behind American sprint star Kenny Bednarek, Dlambini clocked 20.10 seconds. Fellow South African Mthi Mthimkulu placed fifth in the race.

Prudence Sekgodiso battled through a blisteringly fast women’s 800m to finish fifth in 1:57.70 in a race won by Switzerland’s Audrey Werro, who set a Diamond League record and world-leading time of 1:53.98.

For Nene, the result adds another glittering chapter to a season already filled with momentum. The South African 400m ranks have become a furnace of fierce competition, yet Nene continues to emerge forged and polished.

The road to the World Championships remains long, winding and unforgiving. On this Stockholm evening, however, Nene turned the track into a runway and took flight.

Zakithi Nene celebrates his second Wanda Diamond League victory in Stockholm Photo credit: Wanda Diamond League

Rassie reveals Springbok rookie revolution

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has never been shy about planning several moves ahead. His latest squad announcement, featuring 21 uncapped players among a 51-man training group for the Gqeberha double-header later this month, offers another glimpse into how South Africa intends to sustain its dominance beyond the current generation.

Among the newcomers, the inclusion of DHL Stormers backs Yaqeen Ahmed and Imad Khan stands out as more than a reward for impressive domestic performances. It is a reflection of South Africa’s determination to broaden its depth in two of the most influential positions on the field.

Ahmed, capable of operating at flyhalf and centre, and scrumhalf Khan are among a youthful contingent called into the national setup ahead of the Springboks’ clash against the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ fixture against Zimbabwe on 20 June.

Their elevation comes at a significant moment.

With star playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg sidelined through injury, Erasmus has been presented with an opportunity to accelerate the development of players who could feature prominently in future Springbok campaigns.

The injuries have not created vacancies so much as opportunities.

Ahmed’s selection is particularly intriguing. The highly rated Stormers playmaker has long been regarded as one of the country’s most promising attacking talents, combining tactical awareness with the versatility modern international rugby increasingly demands. His ability to cover multiple backline positions makes him a valuable asset in a Springbok environment where adaptability is prized almost as highly as raw talent.

Khan’s call-up carries similar strategic importance. South Africa’s production line of scrumhalves remains one of the healthiest in world rugby, yet Erasmus continues to search for greater depth at a position that often dictates the tempo of a match. Khan joins fellow uncapped scrumhalves Haashim Pead and Nico Steyn in a competitive group that offers selectors an opportunity to assess emerging talent in a high-performance environment.

The Stormers pair form part of a broader youth movement that includes SA Under-20 players Danie Kruger, Luan Giliomee, Vusi Moyo, Oliver Reid, Liam van Wyk, Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Markus Muller and Zekhethelo Siyaya. All were previously involved in the expanded Springbok alignment camp programme.

The remaining uncapped players are Paul de Villiers, Bathobele Hlekani, Hanro Jacobs, Jurenzo Julius, JJ Kotze, Sibabalwa Mahashe, Emmanuel Tshituka and Jaco Williams.

The composition of the squad has also been shaped by circumstance. Vodacom Bulls players were unavailable after securing a place in the United Rugby Championship final against Leinster, opening the door for several younger prospects to gain exposure to the national environment.

For Erasmus, however, the exercise extends beyond short-term availability.

“We named a large group of players as we will be selecting a Springbok and SA ‘A’ team for the season-opening double-header in Gqeberha, and this will be beneficial in the long term as we build the squad, looking forward to next year’s Rugby World Cup and beyond,” he said.

“There is also an exciting mix of experienced campaigners and young players in this squad, and this formula has worked well for us in the past to ensure a clear pathway to build depth within the group.”

The Springbok coach believes the alignment camps held over recent months have prepared many of the newcomers for the demands awaiting them.

“The coaches have been working around the clock to put the systems in place in the last few months, and the in-person and virtual alignment camps have given most of the players a taste of what to expect, so it’s now a matter of implementing what they learned in the boardroom onto the field.”

Erasmus also highlighted the demanding season ahead.

“We are under no illusions about the challenge ahead this season with two matches against the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe playing out on the same day, which will be followed by two new competitions in the Nations Championship and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, so it will be important for the group to build cohesion as quickly as possible and make the most of our field sessions and team meetings to be as well prepared as possible when we take the field.”

For Ahmed and Khan, the call-up is not a destination. It is an invitation into one of the most competitive environments in world rugby. Whether either player features prominently in the months ahead remains uncertain.

What is clear is that Erasmus is already looking beyond the next Test, the next tournament and even the next season. The world champions are building depth with the same diligence that won them consecutive World Cups, and Ahmed and Khan are the latest names added to that long-term blueprint.

Springbok squad (in alphabetical order):

Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Paul de Villiers (DHL Stormers), Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Bathobele Hlekani (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Hanro Jacobs (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), JJ Kotze (DHL Stormers), Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers), Sibabalwa Mahashe (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Ntuthuko Mchunu (DHL Stormers), Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Riley Norton (DHL Stormers), Zachary Porthen (DHL Stormers), Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Emmanuel Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).

Backs: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers) Lukhanyo Am (DynaBoars), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Jurenzo Julius (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Imad Khan (DHL Stormers), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners), Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Markus Muller (DHL Stormers), Haashim Pead (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Nico Steyn (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jaco Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Record prize money, history on the line at 99th Comrades Marathon

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon has all the ingredients of a classic.

Defending champions Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn return to lead a star-studded elite field on Sunday as 21,677 runners tackle the 85.777km Up Run from Durban City Hall to Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.

With nearly all of last year’s top-10 finishers back on the start line and a record prize purse on offer, the race is poised to deliver another compelling chapter in the history of South Africa’s most iconic ultra-marathon.

The only absentee among the top 20 men and women from the 2025 race is women’s runner-up Alexandra Morozova, leaving an elite field packed with proven performers and ambitious challengers.

Race director Sue Forge expects another fiercely contested battle.

“All the signs are that this should be another thrilling race, not just in terms of proven gold medallists, but also with the addition of a number of very fast marathoners and ultra-marathoners from both South Africa and abroad, including world-class 100km competitors. We’re looking forward to seeing who claims the podium spots and a share of the biggest prize purse in the history of the Comrades Marathon.”

The elite athletes will compete for a share of R8.21 million, including incentives and bonuses, with both the men’s and women’s winners earning R925,000.

“We have made sure that the top contenders in the 2026 edition of the Comrades Marathon have 8.2 million reasons to give everything they have on the route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg,” Forge said.

“This race has always produced world-class performances, and this considerable prize purse reflects the status of both the race and the elite field we have running this year.”

Dijana targets rare company

Tete Dijana Photo: Tobias Ginsberg/CMA

Dijana arrives as the man to beat.

The three-time champion claimed victories in 2022, 2023 and 2025, yet has never won an Up Run. A victory on Sunday would not only complete that collection, it would move him level with four-time winner Alan Robb and into a tie for third on the all-time men’s winners list.

Standing in his way is Dutch rival Piet Wiersma, winner of the most recent Up Run in 2024 and runner-up to Dijana in both 2023 and 2025.

Their rivalry has become one of the defining storylines of modern Comrades racing and could once again shape the outcome.

Three-time champion Bongmusa Mthembu also has history within reach. The veteran owns 11 gold medals and sits level with Bruce Fordyce on that list. Another gold medal would move him alongside Alan Robb with a record 12.

The men’s field is strengthened further by former winners Edward Mothibi and David Gatebe, while Nikolai Volkov, Joseph Manyedi, Alex Milne, Gordon Lesetedi and Vasilii Korytkin all return after gold-medal performances in 2025.

Several newcomers add intrigue.

South African hopeful George Kusche has attracted considerable support after finishing 12th last year, while Onalenna Khonkhobe’s impressive performances over the past 12 months have elevated him into podium discussions.

Internationally, much attention will focus on World 100km champion Aleksandr Sorokin, American record-holder Charles Lawrence and French 100km specialist Guillaume Ruel.

Steyn eyes fifth crown

Gerda Steyn Photo: Tobias Ginsberg/CMA

If Dijana is chasing history, Steyn is pursuing legacy.

The South African star has dominated women’s ultra-distance running in recent years and arrives full of confidence after securing a seventh consecutive Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon title.

Having won Comrades in 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025, Steyn stands one victory away from becoming only the second woman in history to reach five wins.

Only eight-time champion Elena Nurgalieva has won more.

Yet the women’s race appears deeper than ever.

Kenyan Shelmith Muriuki impressed with third place on debut last year and is widely viewed as a serious contender. Irvette van Zyl enters the race after breaking the Loskop 50km course record, while Dominika Stelmach, Carla Molinaro, Caitriona Jennings, Courtney Olsen, Jenet Mbhele and Melissah Gibson all return after earning gold medals in 2025.

Adele Broodryk’s return adds further quality after she missed last year’s race, while Galaletsang Mekgoe and Jenna Challenor will be eager to force their way back into the gold-medal positions.

Zimbabwean debutant Nobukhosi Tshuma is another athlete generating interest after finishing third at this year’s Two Oceans Marathon.

Strongest field in years

The elite men’s field consists of 97 athletes, while 34 women have earned elite status.

Together they form one of the strongest line-ups assembled for the race in recent years.

For Dijana and Steyn, Sunday offers an opportunity to strengthen already impressive legacies. For the chasing pack, it presents a chance to alter the narrative.

By late afternoon in Pietermaritzburg, the 99th Comrades Marathon will have produced new heroes, fresh storylines and perhaps another piece of history on South Africa’s most famous road.

Sea of Pink, Stories of Strength: Cancer Survivors Inspire at Totalsports Women’s Race

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Sea of Pink, Stories of Strength: Cancer Survivors Inspire at Totalsports Women’s Race
By Adnaan Mohamed

The countdown to the 2026 Totalsports Women’s Race has begun, and while thousands will toe the start line in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg this August, some participants are already carrying victories far greater than any finish medal.

For cancer survivors such as Selina Govender, Rayghanah Cassiem and Ntokozo Dludla, every kilometre covered is a declaration of resilience. Their stories form part of the beating heart of an event that continues to blend fitness, friendship and fundraising through its partnership with PinkDrive.

Set to take place on three consecutive Sundays in August, the race has become a moving mosaic of courage, where the famous sea of pink flows through city streets like a river of hope.

Govender, from Merebank in Durban, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer with widespread bone metastasis in August 2021 at the age of 37. What followed was a marathon few could imagine: a mastectomy, lymph node removal, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bone-strengthening infusions and ongoing endocrine therapy.

Selina Govender Photo: Supplied

“Almost five years later, my scans remain clear. I continue with endocrine therapy and bone infusions. Cancer taught me that we can’t always control what life throws at us, but we can control how we rise above it. Pay attention to your body. Listen to the small signs. Never skip your check-ups and, above all, never lose hope,” said Govender.

A regular participant since 2017, she will once again line up for the 10km event in Durban.

“I walk due to no longer being able to run. The movement helps with circulation and supports keeping my bones strong and the rest of my body healthy. The Totalsports Women’s Race is a powerful celebration of women that focuses on health and charity. It is a ‘must-do’ event for women in South Africa, offering a fun, well-organised, and meaningful experience that blends healthy living with a powerful message of empowerment. I’m always in awe of the atmosphere, especially the ‘sea of pink’ and camaraderie among participants. Not forgetting the amazing views along the route, which remind us just how beautiful Durban is.”

In Cape Town, Cassiem’s journey reads like a script that repeatedly refused to follow its expected ending. Diagnosed with breast cancer during Women’s Month in 2005 at age 46 and given five years to live, she has now spent more than two decades proving predictions can sometimes stumble while determination keeps running.

Rayghanah Cassiem Photo: Supplied

“Being given a second chance at life changed everything for me,” said Cassiem. “Before my diagnosis, I was simply existing as a mother and wife. Afterward, I truly started living, appreciating life’s simple blessings and embracing new challenges. I took up hiking, dragon boat paddling, and road running, things I never imagined I would do.”

Her journey later included a recurrence that advanced to stage 4 disease.

“At 50, I experienced a recurrence of breast cancer in my sternum, which took me to Stage 4. I was told it was advanced and incurable, instead of giving up, it strengthened my resolve to live fully.”

Today she volunteers in cancer care outreach programmes, carrying hope like a relay baton.

“Today, I dedicate my time to outreach programmes at cancer care homes, using my journey to inspire and give hope. Cancer has taught me not to take a single day for granted. I have participated in the Totalsports Women’s Race for many years. It has become a special part of my journey. Reconnecting with familiar faces and the shared sense of purpose is incredibly uplifting. Sport helps me cope with the challenges of cancer and supports my physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It reminds me that my body is still strong and capable.”

Johannesburg entrant Dludla knows the emotional turbulence that arrives with a diagnosis.

“It was an overwhelming experience, fear and confusion all came rushing at once. The unknown was the hardest part,” she admitted.

“The journey was not easy: doctor’s appointments, tests, and treatment. It felt like my life revolved around hospitals and waiting rooms. My support system became my anchor, and family, friends, and even strangers showed me kindness and love in ways I will never forget. They reminded me that I am not alone in this fight.”

Her message to fellow patients is simple.

“Cancer can feel overwhelming when you think too far ahead. My advice is to focus on getting through one appointment, one treatment, and one moment at a time.”

For Nikki Crous, Head of Marketing at Totalsports, these stories embody the race’s deeper purpose.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race is built on the strength, courage, and resilience of women like Selina, Rayghanah, and Ntokozo, whose stories continue to inspire and unite us. This event is far more than a race, it is a powerful platform for awareness, connection, and hope. Through our partnership with PinkDrive, we are reminded of the importance of early detection, ongoing education, and support, while celebrating the incredible spirit of women who continue to show up, push forward, and uplift one another in the face of adversity.”

As race day approaches, the roads of Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg are preparing for more than a running event. They are preparing to host thousands of footsteps carrying stories of survival, strength and stubborn hope. In a world that often sprints past life’s important lessons, these women are setting the pace.

Visit PinkDrive and Totalsports Women’s Race for further information.

Gerda Steyn eyes another slice of Comrades history

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, NewsLeave a Comment on Gerda Steyn eyes another slice of Comrades history
Adnaan Mohamed

Four-time Comrades Marathon champion Gerda Steyn says her preparations for this year’s race are on track as she targets a fifth title and potentially another record-breaking performance in the iconic ultra-marathon on 14 June.

The South African star is currently completing her final training block in the French Alps ahead of the 99th edition of the race, where she will once again start as the overwhelming favourite in the women’s field.

Steyn has dominated ultra-distance running in South Africa over the past decade, building a remarkable record that includes four Comrades victories and an unprecedented seven consecutive Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon titles.

The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete arrives at Comrades fresh from another commanding display at Two Oceans in April, where she claimed her seventh straight crown in 3:27:43.

Her achievements at Comrades have been equally impressive.

Steyn won her first title in 2019 in an Up Run record of 5:58:53, becoming the first woman to break the six-hour barrier on the route. She added victories in 2023, 2024 and 2025 and currently holds both the Down Run record of 5:44:54, set in 2023, and the Up Run record of 5:49:46, established a year later.

This year’s race could present another opportunity for a fast time.

The official distance for the 2026 Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg is 85.777km, making it the shortest Up Run in recent history and potentially opening the door for new records.

Steyn, however, remains focused on preparation rather than predictions.

“I’m really excited to line up for the Comrades Marathon again this year,” she said.

“My training so far has gone really, really well. Of course, it’s still ongoing, but all is going according to plan, especially after the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon earlier in April.”

With the route heading inland to Pietermaritzburg, Steyn has tailored her training to meet the specific demands of the Up Run.

“This year with it being an uprun, my training is also specifically tailored in making sure that I am strong on the uphills but also of course it’s a fast race.

“Even though it’s almost 90 kilometres, the pace is still fast, so I’m trying to work on all areas to be 100% ready for race day.”

Nine-time Comrades winner Bruce Fordyce believes Steyn’s accomplishments have already secured her place among the greats of South African distance running.

“Gerda has redefined what women can achieve at Comrades and Two Oceans. Her records, consistency and professionalism place her among the greatest ultra-distance runners South Africa has ever produced,” Fordyce said.

“To hold both Comrades records and dominate Two Oceans year after year is extraordinary. She has raised the standard for everybody.”

Fordyce also highlighted Steyn’s ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stages.

“What stands out is the way she races with confidence and composure. She makes world-class performances look effortless, and that’s the mark of a truly exceptional athlete.”

This year’s race will also be Steyn’s second Comrades appearance in Hollywood Athletics Club colours.

“I’m really excited to line up for my second Comrades Marathon in the Hollywood Athletics purple colors,” she said.

“So that will also be really exciting to share the roads with so many other teammates and club mates. It’s going to be a very special day, so all the best from my side to everyone lining up this year.”

Having already rewritten large sections of the Comrades record book, Steyn heads into the 2026 race with another opportunity to strengthen her legacy. The title remains the primary target, though on a shortened Up Run route, the clock may once again become her biggest rival.