Thabang Selemela - Picture Supplied
Bloemfontein
The Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) has sent its best wishes and full support to provincial runner Mr Thabang Selemela ahead of the 99th Comrades Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
Mr Selemela will attempt to secure his 8th Comrades medal in this year’s gruelling ‘Up Run’ from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. The race, known as “The Ultimate Human Race”, will cover 85.77 km from Durban City Hall to the Hollywood Bets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
This year’s Up Run is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested in history. Nearly all of the top 10 men and women from last year are returning to the roads between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, chasing a slice of the biggest prize purse the race has ever seen: R8,210,400.
Key Runners to watch:
Tete Dijana: Hunting his very first win on an Up Run to join the legendary Alan Robb on four total victories
Gerda Steyn: Aiming for a historic 5th overall win, which would cement her status alongside the absolute icons of the sport
Contenders: Local favourites like Onalenna Khonkhobe and international heavyweights like World 100km Champion Aleksandr Sorokin are ready to shake up the field
The action kicks off at 05:00 on Sunday, 14 June.
“Mr Selemela’s dedication, sacrifice and determination are an inspiration to all Free State residents,” the DEDT said in a statement. “We wish him strength for the 12-hour cut-off and hope his hard work carries him across the finish line. The Free State is behind you.”
Community members wishing to support Mr Selemela can follow race updates on the official Comrades Marathon platforms and social media using #Comrades2026 #SkaFelaMoya #UltimateHumanRace
