The last 2 Comrades runners that pulled out all the stops
Crossed the line just in time
Picture this: You have entered one of the hardest running competitions in the world, you've done the training, you've ran the 90 kms but now time is running out...
It's at the last few seconds that you have to pull out all your reserves and cross the finish line.
Well, one did just that, arm-in-arm.
Meet the duo that stole Durban's hearts by assisting one another to finish the Comrades:
@cindypoluta #Comrades #comradesmarathon #comradesmarathon2023 #ultramarathon #fyp #mentalstrength #athletes ♬ Chariots Of Fire (Original) - The Flame
As the clock struck the 12 hour cut-off, Siphiwe Dludla and Jaypee Snyman were the last two finishers. They had never met before this day but now can be called lifelong friends.
These tag-team champions did the ultimate human race with the support of one another. This win is one for the books for many South Africans.
Stacey and J Sbu share: "Congratulations to everyone who attempted the Comrades and was part of this special day. You all go down in the hall of fame of our hearts."
Mere metres from the Comrades Marathon finish line in 2022, Junaid Bhayat, blacked out.
We had an exclusive chat with this Musgrave runner about his road to recovery.
He had to be resuscitated and placed into an ice bath after he took part in the Ultimate Human Race,
Listen to his story below:
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As shared in the podcast above, Junaid is a local runner who works as a chartered accountant.
On the day of the race, Junaid had to be held up by friends before a medical team took over. He was transferred to the Netcare St Augustine's Hospital's ICU.
LISTEN: Jenna Challenor goes viral for finishing Comrades by crawling
Junaid offered some insight to his mental state during the race.
"My heart rate was climbing higher and higher, and I was overheating, but I kept my mind on the finish line," he said.
When Junaid reached Westville and was met with family and refreshments, he knew he had to push harder.
In true comrades fashion, Junaid dug deep to get himself across the line. In doing so his body began to shut down due to dehydration and the heat generated in the last section of the marathon.
Junaid’s running mates tried their best to keep him going despite their own exhaustion.
He was just 150m short of the finish line when he collapsed and blacked out.
Junaid’s inspiring story proves how even when you're knocked down you can bounce back even harder.
We can't wait to see what's next for Junaid. He may not have received an official medal but his story has undoubtedly won our hearts.
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Image courtesy of Junaid Bhayat