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Can Durban 10K deliver sub 27 and sub 30 double?

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Can Durban 10K deliver sub 27 and sub 30 double?
By Adnaan Mohamed

For years, African road running has waited for two stubborn barriers to fall. On 12 July, the sold-out Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K could become the stage where both finally surrender.

The prospect of the first men’s sub-27-minute 10km and the first women’s sub-30-minute performance on African soil has transformed the Durban race from another elite road event into a genuine date with history.

At the centre of the men’s assault stands Ugandan superstar Joshua Cheptegei. The Olympic champion and world record holder over 5 000m and 10 000m owns a personal best of 26:38, making him the obvious favourite to shatter the long-standing continental milestone.

Yet the stopwatch will not be chasing Cheptegei alone.

Kenya’s Felix Masai, who claimed victory at this year’s Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon, brings a 27:24 lifetime best, while Gilbert Kiprotich believes he has already crossed the psychological finish line.

After producing a blistering 27:01 split during the Lisbon Half Marathon, Kiprotich is convinced Durban’s flat course and fast pace can carry him into the exclusive sub-27 club.

Gilbert Kiprotich Photo Supplied

“I believe I am capable of running comfortably under 27:00 in Durban,” said Kiprotich.

“We are hoping for favourable weather conditions and strong pacing on race day.”

Cheptegei is refusing to become consumed by the numbers, even though they continue to follow him like a determined shadow.

“It would be an honour for the record to be broken on African soil,” he said.

“I think that would be great for African athletics.”

The women’s race carries an equally compelling storyline.

Brenda Jepchirchir returns to South Africa with unfinished business after strong winds denied her a realistic opportunity of breaking 30 minutes in Gqeberha earlier this year. Since then, the Kenyan has reinforced her credentials by clocking 29:25, making her the second fastest woman in the world in 2026 and the joint fourth fastest in history.

“If the conditions are favourable and the race unfolds well, I would love to run under 30 minutes,” Jepchirchir said.

“It would be a significant milestone in my career, and I believe it is possible.”

Beatrice Chepkoech by GSC Media House

Standing alongside her is world steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, whose presence deepens an already formidable field. Although the Kenyan is continuing her return after giving birth, the 2019 world champion believes Durban offers the perfect setting to be part of something memorable.

“This is what every athlete dreams of, building a legacy that will endure in the world of athletics,” said Chepkoech.

Stillwater Sports founder Michael Meyer believes the stars have aligned.

“The prospect of witnessing the first sub-27-minute men’s 10km and the first sub-30-minute women’s 10km on African soil at a single event is incredibly exciting,” Meyer said.

Elite athletes, favourable winter conditions and one of the continent’s quickest road courses have combined to create a rare opportunity.

Records rarely wave a white flag willingly. The DURBAN 10K now has the chance to force their surrender, twice, in the space of one unforgettable morning.

Tayla Kavanagh leads charge in Durban SPAR Challenge

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The SPAR Women’s Challenge series is rolling into Durban like a colourful caravan of ambition, determination and flying feet, and all eyes will be on Tayla Kavanagh as she seeks to tighten her grip on the 2026 SPAR Grand Prix title race.

Kavanagh (25), who grew up in Hillcrest in KwaZulu-Natal, will enter the race wearing the leader’s bib in the series and carrying the weight of expectation. Yet the road ahead resembles a tightly packed peloton rather than a solo breakaway. Every stride on Sunday’s 10km Challenge could reshape the championship landscape.

The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete says her training has gone well and is excited to test herself against a strong field again.

“I feel strong at this stage of the season,” said Kavanagh.

“Every race is an opportunity to build momentum and consistency. I like to focus on one opportunity at a time. I always give each race my full focus and try do my best on the day”

Despite her strong start, Kavanagh is taking a measured approach to the championship battle.

“My goal is to race smart and hopefully execute a good race to achieve the best possible result on the day”

Durban’s beachfront route has often been a theatre of drama and this year promises another chapter rich in intrigue.

Kavanagh faces a formidable chasing pack. Karabo More and her Boxer teammates Cacisile Sosibo, Karabo Mailula, Zanthe Taljaard, Carina Swiegers and Lizandre Mulder will arrive fresh from competing in the South African 5km Championships in Gqeberha earlier on Saturday.

The absence of defending SPAR Grand Prix champion Glenrose Xaba, who is racing in the United States, opens a wider lane for the contenders. More, Sosibo and Kayla Jacobs remain within striking distance after collecting maximum bonus points in Cape Town. Meanwhile, Nedbank’s Ethiopian ace Selam Gebre finally joins the series after visa complications sidelined her from the opening race. She will be hunting valuable points with the hunger of an athlete eager to make up lost ground.

The format of the competition, with the final points based on an athlete’s top four races, means that runners can miss one of the five SPAR Challenges and still be in contention for the top prize of R210 000.


Selam Gebre- Ethiopian star, Selam Gebre (Nedbank) will be one of the favourites for the 10km SPAR Women’s Challenge Durban on Sunday 28 June 2026. Photo credits: Ashley Vlotman/ Gallo Images

The Grand Prix format adds another layer of suspense. With only an athlete’s best four results counting towards the final standings, one missed race is not a fatal stumble. It keeps the title race alive and turns every Challenge into a tactical chess match played at racing speed.

The age category battles are also simmering nicely. Elizabeth Potter, Nerida Lubbe and Janene Carey share early momentum in the 50-59 division after securing maximum bonus points in Cape Town. In the 60-69 category, defending champion Judy Bird, Dalene Sonnekus, Ester Brink and Suzanne Marais have already signalled their intentions.

Beyond the stopwatch, the event continues to champion causes greater than sport. A portion of every entry will support iThemba Lethu, an organisation dedicated to uplifting and nurturing young lives in eThekwini.

“The SPAR Women’s Challenge is so much more than a race,” said SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager Mpudi Maubane.

“It is a platform – one that brings together sport, community, empowerment, and purpose in a way that few properties in South Africa can.

“Whether it is our elite athletes competing for SPAR Grand Prix glory, a first-time 5km entrant crossing the finish line, our beneficiary organisations receiving life-changing support, or our campaigns against gender-based violence and period poverty – every single element of this property has one thing in common: celebrating and empowering women. And that is very close to SPAR’s heart.”

The event’s partnership with Hyundai adds another incentive, with an Exter SUV up for grabs in the lucky draw.

Sunday’s route starts on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishes at the outer fields of Kings Park Rugby Stadium. According to Race Director Brad Glassspoole, the course is relatively flat but sprinkled with enough twists, turns and subtle elevation changes to keep runners honest.

“Supporting the SPAR Women’s Grand Prix aligns with our commitment to a healthier, more active South Africa,” said Hyundai Chief Executive Stanley Anderson.

“Regular exercise builds strength, confidence and community – the same values we strive to embody as a brand.”

As Durban prepares to lace up for another celebration of women’s running, Kavanagh stands at the front of the field. The question is whether she can stretch her advantage or whether the chasing pack will turn the Grand Prix race into a full-blown sprint to the finish.

Oldest (84) and Youngest (20) conquer 2026 Comrades

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The 2026 Comrades Marathon delivered many memorable performances on the gruelling 85.777km journey from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, though few stories captured the spirit of the race quite like those of Johannes Mosehla and Bailey O’Leary.

Separated by 64 years in age, the pair finished the 99th edition of the Ultimate Human Race as its oldest and youngest official finishers.

Mosehla, 84, crossed the line in 11:12:26 on Sunday to break his own record as the oldest finisher in Comrades history. In doing so, the Polokwane Running Club member finished ahead of thousands of runners many decades his junior.

The veteran runner, who began his running journey in 1963, said the achievement was a source of pride and gratitude.

“To be the oldest finisher at Comrades is a great honour,” said Mosehla.

“This race continues to inspire me every year. Running has given me so much throughout my life. I hope my journey encourages people to stay active, stay disciplined and keep chasing their goals regardless of age.”

Mosehla credits his remarkable longevity to consistency, moderation and a healthy lifestyle.

“You must listen to your body, eat well, rest properly and enjoy what you are doing. Running should bring happiness. I still love training in the mountains and spending time outdoors.”

While Mosehla represented experience and endurance, O’Leary embodied youthful ambition.

The 20-year-old, who lives in the United Kingdom and whose parents are both originally from Durban, finished her Comrades debut in 10:42:51 to become the youngest female finisher in this year’s race.

Her first Comrades was made even more special by sharing the journey with her father, Jon O’Leary.

Proud dad Jon O’ Leary with his daughter Bailey O’ Leary at the Comrades Winners breakfast on Monday 15 June 2026. Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

“I grew up supporting my dad and listening to stories about Comrades,” said Bailey.

“He inspired my love for the race and it was always my dream to run my first Comrades with him. He helped me a lot, especially in the first half, and crossing the finish line was incredibly special.”

For Jon, the day was about far more than another medal.

“It was one of the proudest moments of my life,” he said.

“Comrades means so much to our family. To see Bailey achieve her goal and share the experience with her from start to finish was unforgettable.”

As the Comrades Marathon prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2027, both runners have already confirmed their intention to return.

Mosehla will aim to extend his remarkable record, while O’Leary hopes to secure a special back-to back medal awarded to novices for consecutive finishes.

Bailey O’ Leary in action on the 2026 Comrades Marathon Up Run Route Photo: Supplied

Their stories served as a powerful reminder that Comrades remains a race where generations meet, dreams endure and the finish line belongs to anyone willing to keep moving forward.

How Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ philosophy inspired George Kusche’s historic Comrades triumph

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By Adnaan Mohamed

After shattering one of South African sport’s most enduring records and banking more than R2.3 million George Kusche revealed that Springbok mastermind Rassie Erasmus ‘Pressure is a privilege’ philosophy had a profound impact on him being crowned 2026 Comrades Marathon champion.

Kusche says one of the most influential ideas shaping his outlook is Erasmus’ belief that pressure is not something to fear, but a privilege earned by doing what you love while millions of others face far greater daily struggles.

For Kusche, that perspective proved as valuable as any training session in helping him navigate the weight of expectation before producing a breathtaking 5:15:56 from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, obliterating Leonid Shvetsov’s 18-year-old course record and writing himself into Comrades folklore.

“In terms of pressure, I’ve got huge respect for Piet and the way he shows up every year and hits it out of the park. It takes a lot of guts to do that and obviously Gerda does that as well,” Kusche said.

“I often think of Rassie Erasmus when he said this is not pressure, this is a privilege to do what you love and hopefully I can keep that mindset next year.”

Those words perhaps explain why Kusche looked so composed while executing one of the boldest race plans in recent Comrades history.

He surged to the front early, trusted months of meticulous preparation and refused to blink as the kilometres mounted. The calculated gamble dismantled a record that had survived for nearly two decades and left defending champion Piet Wiersma and surprise package Mbuti Mollo chasing shadows, despite both finishing beneath the previous record.

Ironically, the race that delivered one of the richest prize hauls in South African road running history reinforced Kusche’s belief that money should never be the driving force.

At Monday’s winners’ breakfast, the 28-year-old received a standing ovation while collecting a series of bonus cheques, including R602,000 for breaking the Up Run record. Together with the winner’s prize, average pace incentive, first South African bonus and other rewards, his earnings climbed beyond R2.3 million, with further sponsor incentives still possible.

Yet financial reward barely featured in his thoughts.

“I haven’t really thought about the financial aspect yet,” Kusche admitted.

“If you’re running for the money I think you’re in the wrong sport.”

Instead, his greatest satisfaction appeared to come from achieving something that only a year ago seemed improbable.

The Pretoria-based runner laughed that he woke up on Monday morning and checked the date to make sure he was not dreaming.

“I think it’s slowly starting to sink in.”

His journey has never followed a conventional route.

Born in Malalane, Kusche left South Africa as an 800m athlete before studying in the United States, eventually earning a Masters in Statistics after spells at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northern Arizona University.

When a professional running contract failed to materialise, he returned home, built a career as a data scientist and stepped away from competitive athletics.

Running, however, refused to loosen its grip.

With the backing of Nedbank Running Club manager and 1991 Comrades champion Nick Bester, Kusche rebuilt himself from scratch, applying the same analytical discipline to training that he uses in his professional life.

He still balances elite competition with full-time work, believing that stability away from the roads has strengthened rather than hindered his performances.

His fourth-place finish in the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon, rapid marathon progression and 12th-place finish on his Comrades debut last year all hinted at enormous potential.

Sunday confirmed it.

There was no visible panic, no signs of a man burdened by expectation, only calm execution from the first stride to the last.

Perhaps that is the real legacy of Erasmus’ philosophy.

Pressure is not a crushing weight carried by champions.

It is a privilege earned through sacrifice, embraced with gratitude and rewarded through preparation.

George Kusche did not merely win the 2026 Comrades Marathon.

He embodied that idea every step of the way.

Featured Image: Adnaan Mohamed

Comrades 2026: Kusche and Steyn rewrite history and win millions

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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.

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.

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

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Record prize money, history on the line at 99th Comrades Marathon
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.

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.