With sweat, strategy, and searing pain guaranteed, the Comrades remains not just a race but a spiritual journey, a test of will forged on tarmac and tears.
As the sun rises over Pietermaritzburg on race day, the best ultra-runners in the world will toe the line with one shared goal: to conquer the hills, the heat, and perhaps history itself.
Golden girl Gerda Steyn eyes to defend her crown
In the women’s race, all eyes will be on Gerda Steyn of Hollywood Athletics Club, who has become synonymous with speed and grace on the ultra stage.
“Comrades is where I find my soul,” said Steyn.
Gerda Steyn Photo: CMA
But she won’t have it easy. Nipping at her heels will be Alexandra Morozova (Nedbank International), the tenacious Russian known for her tactical nous and fearless kick in the final 10km. Her runner-up finishes have only sharpened her hunger.
Also in the hunt are Courtney Olsen and Carla Molinaro — Hollywood’s international aces, both relentless grinders with plenty of pedigree. Caitriona Jennings, the Irish iron-woman from Nedbank, will bring grit to the streets of KZN, while Nobukhosi Tshuma, flying the Entsika flag, is quietly plotting her rise.
Home favourites Jenet Mbhele and Irvette van Zyl will carry the hopes of local fans. Van Zyl, a multiple Olympian turned ultra contender, has unfinished business on this route, while Jenna Challenor hopes to convert her KZN roots into podium magic.
And don’t count out Dominika Stelmach, the Polish powerhouse who thrives in big-race pressure and knows how to time her run like a metronome.
Piet the Pacemaker or Piet the Predator? Wiersma seeks a repeat
Piet Wiersma Photo: CMA
On the men’s side, the man to beat is Piet Wiersma, the flying Dutchman who blazed into South African hearts with his jaw-dropping victory in 2024. Cool, composed, and terrifyingly efficient, Wiersma runs with the icy precision of a Swiss watch — only faster.
“It’s like dancing on a razor’s edge — one mistake, and you’re cut. But if you get it right, there’s no better feeling.”
But Wiersma’s path to glory is cluttered with legends and rising stars. Edward Mothibi, another past champion, will be gunning for a return to the throne, with Tete Dijane and Johannes Makgetla forming a formidable Nedbank GN trio.
Dijane, the 2024 Down Run champion and record-holder (5:13:58), will be looking to emulate his feat where he managed to hold on to the lead with a fast finishing Wiersmabreathing down his neck.
Three-time champion Bongmusa Mthembu, now 41, is still a threat, especially on home ground. He knows every camber, every climb, and every psychological pitfall between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
Joseph Manyedi and Teboho Sello, both from the Maxed Elite stable, bring Lesotho’s mountain grit and CG’s road-warrior mentality.
And watch out for Givemore Mudzinganyama of Entsika — aptly named for this stage, and always ready to give more when it matters. Alex Milne, the gritty Brit, and Onalenna Khonkhobe (Nedbank CN) the 2024 Two Oceans Marathon Champion, round out the field of dark horses who could break into the light.Prediction Time: Who will reign in Durban?
In the women’s race, Gerda Steyn remains the odds-on favourite. Her fluid stride and downhill prowess make her nearly untouchable on the down run. But expect a thrilling chase pack led by Morozova and Jennings, with a wildcard surge possible from Molinaro or Tshuma.
On the men’s side, Piet Wiersma stands at the summit, but Comrades has never been kind to complacency. If he falters, expect
The Final Stretch
As the Comrades motto reminds us: “It will humble you.” But for one man and one woman this Sunday, it will also crown them. When the all-new finish line in the road outside Durban’s People’s Park beckons, there will be nothing left but courage, cramps, and the kind of triumph that lingers long after the legs have stopped moving.
The gun fires for the start of the first wave at 05:45 and the second wave at 06:00.
The stories of the record 22 000 participants lining up outside the Pietermaritzburg City Hall on Sunday morning will write themselves by sundown.
Let the road decide.
