NOLUVO MGIJIMA
XJ ATHLETICS Club has wrapped up the year 2025 by awarding runners who crossed the finish line in the 98th Comrades Marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban earlier this year. An official awards ceremony was held in EmaXesibeni (Mount Ayliff) last Saturday, December 6.
The club had 35 runners who participated in this year’s Comrades Marathon compared to just 19 runners in 2024. They brought home medals. Runner Vakele Jamile showed massive improvement in the marathon when he finished in a time of 6:29:08.
At the awards ceremony, the club recognised the support it has been getting from the local newspapers and sponsors. Club spokesperson Bonginkosi Mbotshwa said that 46 runners have so far registered to participate in next year’s Comrades Marathon.
He said the number of club runners lining up to participate in next year’s Comrades Marathon might go up before the registration deadline.
