04-07-2025
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!
