Sport correspondent
Durban – With hours remaining before the start of the 2026 Comrades Marathon, athletes from across the country have descended on Durban for the 99th edition of the world’s most famous ultra-marathon.
Among them are runners from Mangaung carrying not only months of preparation, but also stories of resilience, loss, dedication and hope.
Leading the charge is Mangaung-based Centre City Titaniums Athletics Club (CCTAC), established in 2020 and one of only fourteen clubs in the country to achieve a 100% qualification rate for this year’s race.
Speaking exclusively to Step Up SA News, club chairperson Teboho Lemao said 72 athletes will represent the club after 73 members qualified for the event.
“The team comprises 55 men and 17 women, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional dedication, discipline and commitment throughout their Comrades Marathon journey.
“As a club, we celebrate not only the number of athletes participating but also the countless hours of training, sacrifice and perseverance that have brought them to this moment. The road to Comrades is never easy, and every athlete who earns the right to wear a race number on race day is already an inspiration.
“The Centre City Titaniums Athletics Club has built a strong culture of inclusivity, excellence and mutual support. To our 72 Titaniums on the start line: run with purpose, run with pride, and carry the Titanium spirit every step of the way,” said Lemao.
This year’s race will also be an emotional one for Rouxville-born runner Ndileka Tyu, who is dedicating her Comrades Marathon to her late brother, Xhanti Camagu Matiso, who passed away suddenly in December 2024 at the age of 28.
The tragedy served as a reminder that life offers no guarantees. Having initially postponed her Comrades ambitions, Ndileka began training shortly after her brother’s passing, determined to honour his memory. Her hope is to return home with a medal dedicated to him.
Her younger sister, Avuyile Matiso, said the family is proud of her determination and wishes her success on race day.
Another athlete carrying personal memories onto the route is Roman Catholic priest and Oblates of Mary Immaculate Provincial, Fr. Lizwelinjani Mlotshwa, OMI, who recently lost his mother, Mme Fikile Mlotshwa.
Fr. Mlotshwa said his mother was among his biggest supporters and shared his passion for the Comrades Marathon.
“She loved the Comrades. Whether cheering from the roadside or sitting in front of the television, she was always there supporting me,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Mangaung Metro Municipality has wished veteran runner Anthony Masuku well as he prepares to participate in his 13th Comrades Marathon, a remarkable achievement that reflects years of commitment to long-distance running.
As the countdown to race day draws to a close, runners from Mangaung will line up alongside thousands of athletes from around the world, each carrying their own story but united by a common goal — reaching Pietermaritzburg.
And as Step Up SA News, we borrow a phrase made famous by former Free State Premier Sefora Ntombela — Halala Mangaung athletes, halalaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
More Stories
Why and how did Maluleke come close to a R16 million mistake, if it was a mistake?
Mokoena cooked, fried and grilled for obscurity
Inhumane treatment of staff at Human Settlements continues unabated