
Berea resident running towards a better world
'I have been following a Comrades training plan with the help of a few coaches,' said Ratanjee, who will run the marathon for the fourth time. 'My plan is to stay calm and pass my checkpoints, absorbing all the positive energy from my dedicated seconders who will help me to get to the finish on time.'
Ratanjee will run the Comrades to raise awareness and funds for the Durban NPO, Community Chest. The organisation focuses on early childhood development (ECD), children, youth and family care, and residential care for the elderly and homeless, mentally handicapped, and disabled people. Ratanjee, a member of the Durban Athletic Club, said he chose the organisation because it resonated with his own life experience and passions to make the world a better place for children. 'My wife and I lost our first child. Raising funds for this charity it allows me to help children in memory of my daughter,' said Ratanjee.
Also read: Glenwood resident laces up for Comrades Marathon debut
He aims to raise R200 000 which will go towards helping to provide nutrition and ECD education to 7845 children throughout KZN. When Sunday hits, Ratanjee says he will start the day off with a prayer. 'Take some time to remain still and absorb what I have trained for. Then I go out for a short and easy run just to activate my muscles. We normally run together with many other Comrades runners that we don't know. This helps me to come to terms with my Comrades journey.'
As for how his Comrades journey began, Ratanjee said, 'It was my childhood dream to run Comrades because my dad and aunt were huge fans. They used to be the first two to get up early and watch the race from start to finish. This inspired me, but it took many years to build up the courage to make it to the start line. My first Comrades was the most challenging because it was the biggest race that I was attempting. I almost gave up just after halfway, but our club secretary calmed me down and motivated me not to give up. I was overjoyed when I crossed the finish line before the cut-off time and that was my biggest victory.'
To help Ratanjee reach his goal, visit https://shorturl.at/acE0p.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
WATCH: Exciting opening of revamped uMhlathuze soccer stadium
City of uMhlathuze Mayor Cllr Xolani Ngewzi this morning officially opened the upgraded uMhlathuze Stadium, in the presence of councillors, officials and a host of KZN and local media and football dignitaries. ALSO READ: WATCH: PSL officials inspect uMhlathuze stadium Emphasis was on the tangible benefits the R200-million investment will bring to the city and district, beginning this weekend when the KZN Premier's Cup will be hosted at the stadium. Excited football fanatic Innocent Khanyile is among the many who can't wait for visiting teams to enter 'The Slaughterhouse'. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
PICTURES: Swimmers brave winter cold for polar dip at Ebotse
About 50 swimmers jumped into Vanryn Dam on a cold Saturday morning to take part in the WannaDo Events Polar Swim Challenge. The Polar Bear Swim at Vanryn Dam at Ebotse Golf and Country Estate featured distances of 1km, 500m and 250m. Wetsuits were not allowed. All swimmers who completed the cold challenge received a medal and hot soup after their icy escapades. Swimmers brave the mid-winter waters of Vanryn Dam during the WannaDo Events 'Polar Bear Swim', 20 July 2025, at Ebotse Golf and Country Estate in Benoni. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen PICTURES: Thousands cheer for Comrades Marathon runners


The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Sheffield runner completes iconic Washie 100-miler
Sheffield's Wayne Simmons was one of just 89 runners to finish the legendary Washie 100 Miler super ultra-marathon in the Eastern Cape last weekend (July 12-13). The 47th edition of the race saw 107 athletes, including 64 novices, set off from Cathcart Country Club at 5pm on Friday. By 7pm on Saturday, 89 runners had completed the gruelling 161.4km route to the Buffalo Road Runners Club in East London, all within the strict 26-hour time limit. Simmons (39) was the North Coast's sole entrant, finishing 37th overall in a time of 22:36:42. He completed the race on just 35 minutes of sleep over a 35-hour period. 'It is the most brutal thing I have ever done, harder than the Comrades and Ironman,' said Simmons. A veteran of 11 Comrades Marathons (90km) and two full Ironman (226.3km) triathlons, Simmons described the Washie as a long-time dream fulfilled. Founded in 1977 by East London runners seeking a challenge longer than the Comrades, the race follows World Athletics and Athletics South Africa rules. While no formal qualification is required, entrants must be at least 20 years old. Simmons said the toughest part of the race was between 11pm and 5am, running in freezing darkness with only his headlamp's 'light bubble' to guide him through the winding hills of the rural Eastern Cape. 'It was seven degrees (Celsius), and I began falling asleep, so I stopped for a quick nap in the car before setting off again with a half-hour walk to get back in the zone.' Representing Westville Athletics Club, Simmons credited his support team – wife Romy, mother Gayle and her partner Brandon Jackson – for getting him through the challenge. 'It was a team effort. I couldn't have done it without them. They were all machines, driving, running and walking every step of the way with me.' Romy described the event as both gruelling and unforgettable: 'It takes an enormous amount of courage, grit and determination to complete a race like that. It was a privilege to witness him achieve this personal goal,' she said. Event manager Sian O'Keeffe added: 'Conquering this distance is tough; the mental strength needed is immense.' Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!