Martin Hennelly, Buyiswa Fundiswa Mlungu and Olive Anthony lead a celebration of the extraordinary human stories behind the world’s greatest ultramarathon.
The Comrades Marathon is measured in kilometres, medals and finish times, yet its greatest victories often happen far beyond the finish line. At the 2026 GEMS Spirit of Comrades Awards in Durban, three remarkable runners showed why courage, perseverance and Ubuntu remain the heartbeat of The Ultimate Human Race.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) hosted the gala on Friday, 23 October, with Government Employee Medical Scheme (GEMS) as sponsor. Established in 1996, the awards recognise individuals whose humanity and selflessness embody the race’s enduring spirit. Each of the three principal recipients receives a one-ounce pure gold medallion.
Martin Hennelly: Running back from the brink
For Martin Hennelly, earning his Green Number in 2026 represented a triumph over circumstances that could have ended his running journey forever.
Days after the 2025 Comrades Marathon, a 300kg security gate fell on him while he was repairing it, causing severe injuries and a broken spine. His son lifted the gate and freed him as he struggled to breathe.
Facing possible permanent paralysis, Hennelly refused to surrender his dream.
“I wanted to live, I wanted to run Comrades, I wanted to run Inchanga…” he recalled.
Months in a brace, painful rehabilitation and numerous setbacks tested his resolve. He rebuilt his strength step by step, returned to the 2026 race, conquered Inchanga and completed his 10th Comrades, earning his coveted Green Number.
His journey was a marathon of courage long before he reached the starting line.
Buyiswa Mlungu: Belief that carried her home
Buyiswa Fundiswa Mlungu’s journey began in eNdawana, uMzimkhulu, where she endured a difficult, tragedy-filled youth. Running offered an escape, and encouragement from friends eventually led her towards Comrades.
Unable to afford the entry fee and running gear, she relied on contributions from people who believed in her potential. Even qualifying for the race presented financial hurdles.
“I didn’t believe I could run Comrades, but people believed in me and I didn’t want to let them down,” she said.
Without energy gels on race day, she accepted help along the route and finished her debut in 10:46:30, earning a bronze medal.
“If you believe in yourself, you can do it,” she said. Today, Mlungu has a full-time job as a fashion designer. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the strongest support team is a community willing to carry a dream.
Olive Anthony: A trailblazer honoured
Olive Anthony broke barriers in 1980, becoming the first woman of colour to tackle Comrades and finishing 14th in the women’s race. She earned her Green Number in 1990 and achieved Double Green Number status for 20 finishes in 2002.
Her legacy extends beyond competition. For more than a decade, she has volunteered with the Green Number Club, encouraging others to experience the race and helping preserve its traditions.
CMA general manager Alain Dalais congratulated all the recipients, saying their stories would inspire an even stronger spirit of humanity among those who participate in, support or watch Comrades.
GEMS chief operating officer Dr Vuyo Gqola said the partnership championed health, wellness, inclusivity, resilience and the power of sport to unite people from diverse backgrounds.
Unsung heroes take their place
The wider awards celebrated generosity and service across the Comrades community.
Journalist of the Year Rowan Callaghan received R30,000 for his extensive coverage across Independent Media platforms. Mahesh Ratanjee was named Top Charity Fundraiser for the third consecutive year after raising R304,002 for Community Chest Durban and Pietermaritzburg. His fundraising total since 2022 has exceeded R897,000, in memory of his late daughter and in support of early childhood development.
Team Vitality Athletic Club Central Gauteng raised R201,225 to win the top club fundraising award. UAE-based ambassador Nicolas le Roux was recognised for promoting Comrades internationally and helping deliver pre-loved running shoes to rural South African runners through parkrun KZN.
Brazilian coach Vanderlei Carlos Severiano, known as Coach Branca, received the Hermes Award for building the Comrades community in Brazil. Andrew Clark received the CMA Chairperson’s Award after sacrificing his own race ambitions to help a distressed runner reach the finish.
Long Service Awards went to Paula Dixon for 41 years of service, SGB-Cape for its longstanding event infrastructure support, and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, whose Comrades association spans more than half a century.
Dalais thanked GEMS, the nominators, athletes, supporters, volunteers, staff and media for sustaining the race’s remarkable community spirit.
The gold medallions may capture the spotlight, but the real prize is the humanity these stories leave behind. On the Comrades road, greatness is measured in miles. Its spirit is measured in what people do for one another.
