Local runners go the distance at Comrades
The Heidelberg Athletics Club recently celebrated a strong performance at the 2025 Comrades Marathon, made possible in part by sponsorship from Vopak.
The support helped ensure the club's athletes could compete in the prestigious ultra-marathon without added financial strain.
Although the runners had already paid for registration and accommodation, the club approached Vopak earlier this year for more help. Vopak responded by covering the team's transportation costs and providing a branded gazebo for use at the event.
This gesture, aimed at encouraging athletic excellence and community involvement, was welcomed by the athletes and the club officials.
All eight athletes representing the club completed the gruelling race, with these times recorded:
• Vusi Mdhluli – 08:14:40;
• Lerato Motaung – 08:44:49;
• Ndivhuho Mukwevho – 08:56:31;
• Ndumiso Mayongo – 09:43:17;
• Thulani Namo – 09:50:17;
• Albert Kheswa – 10:47:26;
• Mfundo Mkhwanazi – 10:52:15;
• Mzwandile Gcaleka – 10:52:15.
The club thanked Vopak, emphasising the impact of their contribution on the team's morale and performance.
'This partnership with Vopak met our logistical needs and inspired our athletes to push themselves to the finish line,' said a club representative.
'It's a shining example of how corporate support can uplift communities and help grow local sporting talent.'
The club aims to continue working with sponsors as it remains focused on developing athletes and promoting participation in competitive sports.
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
a day ago
- The Citizen
Vryheid Athletic Club celebrates Comrades Marathon heroes
The spirit of endurance and determination was alive and well during the Comrades Marathon weekend, when several runners from Vryheid Athletic Club (VAC) proudly represented their town. The ultra-marathon, stretching approximately 87km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, tested the physical and mental limits of runners from across the country, and Vryheid's local athletes did not disappoint. Among those who completed the 'Ultimate Human Race' were: Siyanda Mncube – 10:42:42 (bronze medal); Jaco Booysen – 11:56:40 (Vic Clapham medal); Simphiwe Buthelezi – 09:58:52 (Robert Mtshali medal); Paula Smal – 10:55:09 (bronze medal and received her green number); Ntokozo P Mbatha – 10:28:10 (bronze medal); Carla Muller – 11:02:38 (Vic Clapham medal); Amanda Vergottini – 11:18:05 (Vic Clapham medal); Jabulani Ndwandwe – 11:56:32 (Vic Clapham medal); Hlobisile Madida – 10:14:57 (bronze medal); Vlam de Beer – 09:51:34 (Robert Mtshali medal); Andrea de Beer – 09:51:33 (Robert Mtshali medal); Tholiwe Hlope – 12:01:07 (UOF); Michelle Baeta – 11:40:32 (Vic Clapham medal); PJ du Toit – 10:24:16 (bronze medal); Samantha Johannes – 11:02:38 (Vic Clapham medal); Ruzelle Grobbelaar – 11:39:47 (Vic Clapham medal); Duvan Grobbelaar – 11:56:33 (Vic Clapham medal). Some were first-timers, while others added another medal to their collection. But the Vryheid Athletic Club captain Amanda Vergottini says that they all shared the sense of camaraderie and resilience it takes to conquer Comrades. To help the community understand just how impressive these achievements are, here's a breakdown of the Comrades Marathon medal system: Gold – top 10 finishers; Wally Hayward – Sub-six hours (not in top 10) for top veteran amateurs; Silver – 6:00:01 to 7:29:59 (very strong club level performance); Bill Rowan – 7:30:00 to 8:59:59 (solid sub-nine hour effort); Bronze – 9:00:00 to 10:59:59 (most common medal); Vic Clapham – 11:00:00 to 12:00:00 (official finish before cut-off). The club has become a beacon for local runners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. With their latest achievements, these Comrades finishers are not only inspiring other members but are also encouraging more locals to put on their tekkies and get moving. You made Vryheid proud! ALSO READ: Bongani sets the pace at Comrades Marathon The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Local runners go the distance at Comrades
Local runners go the distance at Comrades The Heidelberg Athletics Club recently celebrated a strong performance at the 2025 Comrades Marathon, made possible in part by sponsorship from Vopak. The support helped ensure the club's athletes could compete in the prestigious ultra-marathon without added financial strain. Although the runners had already paid for registration and accommodation, the club approached Vopak earlier this year for more help. Vopak responded by covering the team's transportation costs and providing a branded gazebo for use at the event. This gesture, aimed at encouraging athletic excellence and community involvement, was welcomed by the athletes and the club officials. All eight athletes representing the club completed the gruelling race, with these times recorded: • Vusi Mdhluli – 08:14:40; • Lerato Motaung – 08:44:49; • Ndivhuho Mukwevho – 08:56:31; • Ndumiso Mayongo – 09:43:17; • Thulani Namo – 09:50:17; • Albert Kheswa – 10:47:26; • Mfundo Mkhwanazi – 10:52:15; • Mzwandile Gcaleka – 10:52:15. The club thanked Vopak, emphasising the impact of their contribution on the team's morale and performance. 'This partnership with Vopak met our logistical needs and inspired our athletes to push themselves to the finish line,' said a club representative. 'It's a shining example of how corporate support can uplift communities and help grow local sporting talent.' The club aims to continue working with sponsors as it remains focused on developing athletes and promoting participation in competitive sports. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
From scoring goals to marathon roles: Ashay Sewlall's inspiring journey of grit and grace
Ashay Sewlall (24) who participated in the Diski Challenge and later took on the Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied In the world of sports and fitness, few stories exemplify resilience and passion quite like that of Ashay Sewlall. A 24-year-old former professional football player from Richards Bay, he has transitioned from competitive leagues to conquering one of the most gruelling endurance races: the Comrades Marathon. Recently relocated to Durban, Sewlall showcases not only a commitment to fitness but also a dedication to sharing his journey through digital platforms. Having played at a professional level with Richards Bay FC in the PSL from 2020 to 2024, sports have been a defining aspect of his life. 'Fitness, or should I say football, has always been my passion,' he shares, reflecting on years devoted to the sport. Now, in a bold step that merges his love for athletics with personal growth, he overcame the formidable challenge of the Comrades Marathon, looking at it not just as a physical test but as a mental milestone - one that has re-ignited his love for football. 'Running the Comrades was a test physically, but more mentally for me to get back into my love for football,' he admits. 'If I can do this, I know I can start football again from the bottom.' Determined that the journey won't be easy, he is resolute in balancing his work in logistics with the rigorous training required for both running and football. While he doesn't label himself an influencer, he connects with people simply by being himself. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Ashay Sewlall sits victorious after completing the Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied His approach to social media is refreshing; 'I post content just being me, involved in various sport activities.' He joined TikTok in 2024 and has since captured the hearts of many South Africans, creating a community of loving supporters. His enthusiasm for sharing his life resonates with his growing audience, and he speaks fluent isiZulu, which helps him connect with a broader demographic. Diving into creativity, he reflects on the biggest risks he's taken throughout his life. 'Life is about taking risks,' he states, recalling his journey from school to professional athlete. Each leap of faith he took propelled him forward: 'Without taking the risk, I would have never achieved all that I have.' His message is clear, and it's one he stands by daily - a drive that fuels him to rise each morning. 'The drive and grind in me is what wakes me up,' he explains. With the support of friends and family, the motivation to continue this journey of resilience is unwavering. Yet, with every success comes misconceptions. He acknowledges that some may think his journey is easy due to his athletic background. Ashay Sewlall all suited up ready to take on his next project. Image: Supplied 'Every day is like starting again,' he confesses, emphasising the struggles beneath the surface. The discipline of adhering to training regimes and healthy eating is a choice, one he grapples with even now. 'I love being outdoors, going for runs, and hitting the gym. Durban is beautiful; it has everything in one city,' he says. A true advocate for the city, he encourages others to experience its charm. Though his focus has primarily been on training rather than leisure, he treasures his hometown of Richards Bay, ever keen on making time for visits. As he thinks ahead to future projects, he has ambitious plans for 2025. 'I want to keep sharing my talent and explore my passions, such as dancing to different music, fitness, speaking different languages, and even acting.' For those aspiring to enter the arts or entertainment industry, his wisdom shines through. 'Be yourself, be unique, and do it your way,' he advises, reminding everyone that true authenticity sets individuals apart. In the realm of sport, his mantra remains steadfast: 'Work hard, stay humble, never give up, and always smile good or bad.'
