Dubbed the "Ultimate Human Race", the Comrades Marathon took place this year on 14 June 2026, from Durban to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) capital city, Pietermaritzburg, about 90 km away.

The 99^th edition of the Comrades Marathon will be remembered as the day South African runners rewrote the record books and reminded the world why the "Ultimate Human Race" remains one of the toughest sporting events on the planet.

As it is now an annual ritual for Unisa to support and encourage the well-being of its workforce, more than 40 staff members ran the 2026 Comrades Marathon. The university has an active and vibrant athletics club, the Unisa Athletics Club, which coordinates all logistical support for the athletes.

This year, over 21 000 runners from around the world came to South Africa to participate in this gruelling 90-kilometre ultramarathon. The route is always lined with many spectators who come out in numbers to cheer on the runners and keep them motivated. Unisa runners were supported by staff from the head office and the KZN Region, who provided refreshments and minor medical assistance.

The Acting Vice-Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, Prof Mpho Ngoepe, once again became the first Unisa runner to cross the finishing line, clocking 7:02:20, finishing in the top 200 overall, as he did in 2024. The Unisa Athletics Club once again ensured that the university was well represented, competing with the best in the world.

Unisa’s runners and support team members in action

This ultramarathon is the world's largest and oldest marathon of its kind, attracting runners from far and wide. Running and finishing this marathon is a huge achievement in itself for most runners. We congratulate the following Unisa runners, who all deserve a place on the roll of honour:

• Prof Mpho Ngoepe
• Prof Amos Shibambu
• Prof Jan Resenga Maluleka
• Prof Sibusiso Ndlangamandla
• Prof Mpilo Dube
• Doctor Ndivhuwo Sundani
• Dr Njabulo Mkhize
• Dr Blessing Danisile Mkhonazi 
• Dr Philangani Thembinkosi Sibiya
• Brian Siyabonga Zulu       
• David Nteo     
• Delvah Mabaso  
• Mmatau Dorah Lebepe  
• Mamotsau Eric Magoro 
• Koena Elders Ngoepe  
• Lesedi Matsetse      
• Macduff Mahiyani Khoza     
• Mbuso Nkosinathi Ndlovu    
• Meluxolo Jara
• Modise Moseki
• Mpho Collen Maaboyi
• Muziwakhe Shabangu
• Mr Noko Mojela
• Otshepeng Moletsane
• Ramphelane Nchabeleng
• Ricky Soobramaniyen
• Simon Seripa Mamabolo
• Sithembela Zikalala
• Sphelele Innocent Ngcobo
• Mr Teboho Majara
• Thabiso Kapikile
• Thomas Freddy Mathebula
• Thomas Setshedi
• Thuthukani Msomi
• Tshepo Matseke
• Tshilidzi Lennox Mafune

Assisted by staff members from the head office and the region, the KwaZulu-Natal Region Health and Wellness Committee coordinated support for the runners, and the Communications Department ensured the Unisa Brand was visible at strategic points along the route. All Unisa athletes were supported equally, regardless of whether they ran under university colours.

In the spirit of Unisa’s aspiration and commitment to become the African university in the service of humanity, this could not have been demonstrated better than supporting and taking part in the ultimate human race – the Comrades Marathon. Congratulations to all 2026 Unisa Comrades Marathon runners.

* By Siyabonga Seme, Manager: Communication, KwaZulu-Natal Region