With anticipation building ahead of Sunday’s Comrades Marathon, runners and sports enthusiasts from across South Africa continue to gather at the Durban Exhibition Centre, where the official Comrades Expo is in full swing. Pictured at the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority stand are Johannesburg brothers Rafick and Jabaar Schroeder, Thamsanqa Zondi (Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal) and Sibusiso Ndlovu, playing the welcome drums.
USUALLY it’s the runners who make history at the Comrades Marathon, but as the race enters its 99th edition tomorrow, endurance and longevity are as much a part of the story as victory.
More than 90 runners aged 70 and older are expected to tackle the demanding up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, highlighting the enduring appeal of one of the world's toughest ultramarathons as it edges closer to its centenary.
At the front of the field, three-time champion Tete Dijana will be chasing history of his own. The Mahikeng-based runner is aiming to secure a fourth consecutive Comrades title and further cement his place among the race's greats.
At one end of the field, veteran runners will be testing the limits of age and endurance. At the other, Dijana is hoping to secure his place in the record books.
