Zwakala Athletics Club Prepares for a Record-Breaking Comrades Marathon 2025

Image: Kirsten Oliver

As the sun rises on Durban, excitement fills the air as Zwakala Athletics Club gets ready for one of South Africa’s most esteemed running events, the Comrades Marathon 2025. With a stellar reputation for excellence, the club is eager to meet the challenges ahead.

This year, 63 dedicated members will proudly represent the club in an exhilarating competition. Thabo Mokepe, the club’s Secretary General, shared his confidence in the team's readiness for the marathon in a recent interview with Gijima Athletics News.

The Comrades Marathon is not just a race; it is a celebration of endurance, perseverance, and community spirit. For Zwakala Athletics Club, this event is not merely about finishing but achieving outstanding results and demonstrating their strong commitment to the sport.

A Legacy of Success

Zwakala Athletics Club takes immense pride in its track record, boasting an impressive 98 percent finish rate during last year’s event. This remarkable achievement highlights the club's effective training methods, strong camaraderie, and the unwavering commitment of its members.

This year, Mokepe has set an ambitious goal of reaching a 100 percent finish rate. He stated, “We are ready for the challenge,” clearly reflecting the club's commitment to not just compete, but excel.

The members have logged hundreds of hours training, running together through rain and shine, which has solidified their bond and determination. This sense of unity is crucial as they tackle the race ahead.

Preparing for the Distance

The Comrades Marathon is known for its challenging 90-kilometer distance. However, the members of Zwakala Athletics Club are undeterred. Mokepe is confident that their extensive preparation will allow them to tackle this demanding course with pride.

In addition, the club emphasizes proper nutrition and hydration strategies, ensuring that athletes fuel their bodies for optimal performance. The importance of mental preparedness cannot be overlooked, so motivational workshops have been organised to help runners visualize their success on race day. These initiatives empower the participants to face the marathon's challenges head-on.

High Hopes for Medals

With ambitious aspirations for the 2025 Comrades Marathon, Zwakala Athletics Club is hopeful about securing Silver medals and Bill Rowan. Their goal is not just to finish the race but to do so with notable accolades.

Mokepe expressed, “We have trained hard, and we believe this is our year. The runners are more than ready.” Securing such honors would mark a significant personal achievement for the athletes and a great source of pride for the entire club.

Results Matter

As the race approaches, the focus sharpens on the results. The Zwakala Athletics Club athletes are passionate and determined to represent their club honorably.

Not only are they pushing for a perfect finish rate, but they’re also aiming for valuable medal placements. Mokepe emphasizes the importance of their hard work, stating, “Every step taken in training is a step towards success on race day.”

The club’s ethos extends beyond competition, it represents a commitment to excellence at every level, motivating them to strive for their very best.

The Community Spirit

Zwakala Athletics Club is more than just a group of runners; it embodies a community that shares a common goal. The Comrades Marathon offers an incredible opportunity for runners to unite and display their dedication to their sport, their club, and the greater South African athletics community.

As race day draws near, local community support continues to grow. Families, friends, and running enthusiasts are expected to gather at Moses Mabhida People’s Park to cheer on the runners.

The atmosphere is anticipated to be electric, brimming with encouragement and motivation. This spirit of camaraderie will extend beyond the finish line, promoting an inclusive environment that welcomes runners of all abilities.