In running clubs across South Africa dedicated athletes are meticulously honing their plans for the 98th edition of this year's Comrades Marathon, just four days away.
“It’s painful in every sense,” said athletics coach Mthandeni Nene.
“You sacrifice family time, endure demanding work schedules and wake up at dawn or hit the gym in the late afternoon. Your diet is strictly regulated, and you must adjust your lifestyle to maintain your pace.”
There are financial sacrifices involved. “You spend your last bit of money on the right food, sometimes leaving your wardrobe bare and your family finances strained. It’s a daunting realisation that your passion can overshadow other life necessities.”
The Comrades Marathon transcends the typical race; it embodies a relentless spirit and commitment that resonates deeply within its participants.
“Completing this marathon requires extraordinary dedication. For those who compete at a high level, the experience can either strengthen or challenge family bonds, given the time spent away from home,” he explained.
He stressed the significance of family support during this arduous journey.
A down run, starting at Pietermaritzburg’s city hall and finishing in Durban, spans about 89.98km with a record-breaking turnout of 22,677 entrants, surpassing the previous high of 19,047 in 2018.
Nene is now training Sinethemba Tshangase, a silver medal holder from the South African Athletics Championships.
“Preparation is multifaceted; it involves specific periods of focus. For elite runners, it's about periodisation tailored to the demands of the Comrades and other races,” he noted.
Nene outlined the rigours of training for the Comrades Marathon.
“You run all day.” During this time you are conditioning the body to withstand the midday sun, a reality runners could face on race day. He stressed the importance of preparing early, even for a race that begins at 5am, where long runs dominate the early training phase.
In the thick of preparation, mornings start before dawn, weaving endurance into the fabric of their routine.
“While we’re in base training, it’s all about those long runs,” he noted. “We usually wrap up our training while the sun is still low.”
Training schedules ease runners into the conditions of the marathon.
“As you transition to pre-competition, sessions shift to a more realistic race day experience. You’ll be running at 7 or 8am, simulating conditions that could lead to a sharp 10am finish,” he explained. The training adapts to the harsh sun, ensuring athletes are prepared for the heat on race day.
“For those used to early morning runs, the thought of midday heat might seem daunting. You may even find yourself training at noon, just to adapt,” he joked, adding: “Come race day, you want to feel normal.”
Yet, amid the intensity, Nene emphasised an oft-overlooked element of preparation — rest.
“Disconnect, sleep, stay hydrated.”
With his insights guiding them, runners are reminded that the key to success lies in both training and recovery.
Debut Comrades Marathon runner, Pietermaritzburg-based anaesthetist Dr Sanele Magagula, 33, said the running spirit caught him in 2023 when a friend invited him to watch a Comrades Marathon.
“I was struck by how healthy and fit people were, but by the same token I was in two minds about running myself. After the race I started doing 10km and then gradually improved,” said Magagula.
“I got hooked. This thing was in my blood. In 2024, I signed up for a half Prince Mangosuthu marathon in May. The bug bit me and I was sold,” said Magagula.
He completed the African Bank Soweto marathon in 4 hr 42 mins, a feat he said exceeded his expectations and earned him his Comrades qualifier.
“As you sink your toes deeper into the running community you realise how everyone speaks the same language ... Comrades this and that,” said Magagula.
He said his performance at Totalsports Two Oceans marathons marathon gave him a boost and is now trying for a 10 hr 30 min finish at Comrades.
“I have never done anything more than 56km. It’s scary that I am going to run 90km and for sure there is a bit of anxiety. I am looking forward to challenging my body,” said Magagula.
Magagula, who runs for Hilton Harriers athletics club, has also has made quirky TikTok videos to get him and other runners into the Comrades spirit.
He was also sold by the catchy slogan of this year’s edition of the race, Isiko Mpilo (“more than a race”), and is hoping to raise R10,000 for the Childhood Cancer foundation .
As part of the preparation for the race, participants must complete a 42.2km marathon in under five hours. The marathon must be officially recognised and technically compliant with ASA standards as a prerequisite for the race.
Westville runner Kylan Taylor, 20, among the youngest debut runners who will line up in a cold Pietermaritzburg on Sunday, said he entered the race mainly to push himself to the limit. “It was my sister who had an influence in me running, and when I signed for the 10km I felt loved this,” said Taylor, who runs with DHS Old Boys.
“I train every week with them and we also do club runs. This is a club which is very supportive, and my teammates are always in my corner pushing me to do well,” said Taylor.
Taylor said his family was alarmed when he shared his Comrades plans.
“They [my family] thought I was crazy. They were shocked,” said Taylor.
The former Reddam House uMhlanga student, who tackled his first Totalsports Two Oceans marathon in April, will run alongside his brother-in-law.
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