Thousands of runners participated in the ultimate human race. From Pietermaritzburg to Durban on Sunday the 11 June. This year’s race, which was a down-run, kicked off at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 5h30, finishing in Hollywoodbets Kingsmead stadium in Durban at 17h30. Competitors had 12 hours in which to complete the run and there are cut off points at various times during the race – this of course adds to the excitement and challenge of the day.
It was a magical day and a big win for two university of Zululand(UNIZULU) students who participated and finished the exhausting 2023 Comrades Marathon one received silver medal and the other bronze medal running under the UNIZULU Athletic Club.
Simphiwe Mshishi Mngenge Masters Student who still runs under the University’s banner, received a silver medal after finishing the race in 7 hours and 20 minutes,
Elijah Mushka Mantshi, a PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, was running his sixth comrades and was targeting his first silver medal.” “The institution assisted us a lot. As you can see the running shoes, even the qualifying races,” said Mushka.
When asked what they enjoys the most about running in races such as the Comrades Marathon , their response was, “ Its more for passion and endurance, you will never understand.” They chuckled.
Jabulani Mnguni, the coach congratulated the two athletes, “Each runner had their own motivations to run this ultimate human race, Your sheer commitment and dedication in participating in one of the world’s greatest marathons is admirable and inspiring. Congratulations and well done.” Concluded Mnguni.
- Precious Shamase