KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has congratulated Comrades Marathon champions, Piet Wiersma of the Netherlands and South Africa’s Gerda Steyn, for winning the 97th edition of the marathon on Sunday.
Wiersma won the men’s race ahead of South Africa’s Dan Moselakwe, while Steyn won the women’s marathon, clocking a time of 5 hours 49 minutes.
‘I am elated to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Comrades Marathon. All who participated in the 97th edition of the Comrades Marathon are champions in their own right and their efforts have made the country and the province proud.
‘On behalf of the provincial government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal, we congratulate the over 20 600 runners from different countries of the world who came to KwaZulu-Natal to participate in this gruelling 86-kilometre uprun marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. We also appreciate the spectators who lined up along the route to cheer up the runners and kept them motivated’ Dube-Ncube said.
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The Premier also acknowledged the 5 000 volunteers, who kept the runners safe and hydrated throughout the marathon and worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event.
She said the race is indeed not just a race, but a celebration of human potential and community made possible by the runners’ unwavering commitment and hard work.
‘This race continues to be a beacon of hope and a symbol of what is possible when we come together in the spirit of unity and perseverance. The Comrades Marathon is often revered as the ultimate human race, and is a unique and historic event that transcends the boundaries of sport.
‘It embodies the very essence of human endurance, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence. This year’s marathon has once again highlighted the remarkable feats that can be accomplished through perseverance and an unwavering commitment to one’s goals.
Dube-Ncube also noted that this year’s Comrades brought a much-needed economic boost to the economy of the prov
ince, with both Pietermaritzburg and Durban reporting high accommodation occupancy rates.
The Premier further acknowledged the sponsors who continue to make the Comrades Marathon a global iconic event.
Source: South African Government News Agency