Running Together: Comrades 2025

In 1921, just 34 runners lined up for the very first Comrades Marathon. Only 16 finished.

On 8 June 2025, more than 22 000 stood shoulder to shoulder in the dark streets of Durban, ready to take on the 98th edition of the Ultimate Human Race. What a privilege to be part of something so deeply human, so deeply South African, so universal in its reach and meaning.

I was lucky enough to be there in many capacities. As a board member of the Comrades Marathon Association, elected by members who love and live this race. As a supporter, helping two friends get to the start (including a panicked search for a portaloo – standard for runnerd pre-race!) As the CMO of EasyEquities, proud sponsor of the EasyEquities Born2Run club with over 50 athletes on the road. As someone who has run Comrades three times, and been top fundraiser twice for causes close to my heart. And like so many others across South Africa and the world, I simply have Comrades in my blood.

And what a day it was.

What Went Right

The race was a success by any objective measure: fewer than 2% of qualified runners didn’t register. The vast majority crossed the finish line. No deaths. Medical incidents were handled swiftly, including one runner with a pre-existing heart condition who is now recovering. Another runner went missing and, after an extensive search, was found – injured, but alive and recovering. Relief from all in the Comrades community. As one of many who personally searched until after midnight on Sundat night, I am very grateful.

The two-group start system worked really well – safer, smoother, better and saving runners many minutes. The atmosphere? Electric. Josie, standing next to me before the gun went off, smiled down at the sea of people stretching out across the city. Then the anthem and our songs and sounds played. Nothing beats that.

What We’ll Fix

The finish had its challenges. Many. My apologies to all who were impacted. Not good enough. As a board, we’ve already met, acknowledged what went wrong, apologised where needed, and are making plans not just for 2026 – but also for the 100th Comrades in 2027. That was always the intention: to use this year as a stress test. A street finish is likely – following world standards and best practice. But safety needs to be addressed even more.

This board is united in its commitment to a runner-first experience. And we’re all runners ourselves – some joggers at the back of the field like me, some multiple gold medallist legends and one with 49 medals. Between us, hundreds of finishes. We’re not here for ego or credit. We’re here to serve. Volunteers who do not get paid.

We had world-class input this year for the first time – including IAU technical delegate Hilary Walker, whose report and debrief were already received. Thanks too to Norrie Williamson, our ambassadors, volunteers, and every runner who gave feedback via WhatsApp, social media and more. We see you. We hear you. We’re building forward.

On Critics and Contributors

Let me be blunt (anyone surprised?!) when things go wrong – in families, companies, countries, races – don’t be the doos who says, “I told you so.” Don’t revel in schadenfreude. Don’t just point fingers. And similarly, don’t be defensive with feedback – even when unfair or incorrect. Address with facts and put shoulder to the wheel.

Care enough to comment? Great. Then contribute. Help. Fix. Improve. That’s what this board, and this race, is about. Being better together.

Highlights That’ll Stay With Me

• The joy on so many people’s faces at the start.
• Seeing the lead runner at Botha’s Hill.
• Welcoming athletes at the finish – like I do at the Terrex Otter Trail Run presented by EasyEquities . It’s holy work. I don’t say that lightly. The humans who cross the finish lines in these events are flippen PHENOMENAL.
• The GEMS Runners’ Village – humbling and uplifting.
• International ambassadors – many of whom I hope to see in Paris or Lyon races soon.
• The emotional high of prize-giving: an 83-year-old and a 20-year-old, side by side. Think you can’t – you can!
• Louis Massyn claiming his 50th medal. Fifty. Read that again.
• The news that Moira Harding was found alive and is recovering.
• The airport on Tuesday: tired feet, full hearts. Inspiring stories.

Thank You (No, Really)

To Alain, Jared, Liam, Xoliswa, Onica, Elrica and the full CMA team—you are extraordinary.

To Johan at the start and Tonya at the finish – and every volunteer who gives their time and energy so generously. Your behind-the-scenes magic make everything happen. We need to never lose this volunteer brilliance and also move forward with additional support and professional input. Build on the past. Innovate for the future.

To Tonya again for inviting me to your team braai – one of the best post-race moments of my life. (And Mark and Esté: you can braai for me anytime!)

To my fellow board members – thank you. I learn from each of you. You’re all better runners than me (although only Barry can match me on the wine front), but your commitment and heart are unmatched. I value our professional relationshipa and growing friendships.

To Cheryl, Patricia, Pat and the other powerhouse women – women are still far too few as part of the runners, but these legends show the way.

To Nonthu and your mom – thank you for the laughs at GEMS.

To our sponsors especially the few I closely engaged with this year – Mr Price Sport, GEMS, Cell C, Toyota – you’re phenomenal. Thank you for what you bring to the race.

To the Dougalls for hosting me the night before. To Josie, my longtime friend with the best laugh (and other enviable assets). To Flip and Verna for macadamias, wine and perspective just when I needed it.

To every runner I cheered for, hugged, welcomed. To the Fourways Striders and the Harris clan for the Monday beers and a knob to stroke.

To my inner circle – who get the scraps of my time and never complain. I love you. Thank you for not saying I must do less.

To my dad and Annemarie for the food, the wine, and eight hours of sleep on the Natal North Coast on Monday night.

And to everyone who thanked me online and in person – it’s I who should be thanking you.

What’s Next?

See you in 2026 for the up run. Let’s honour the spirit of the founder of Comrades. Let’s show up – physically, emotionally, metaphorically – for one another.

And let’s keep running (in all ways) this race. Together.