Spirit of Comrades Awards honour selfless individuals

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), in partnership with the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), hosted the annual Spirit of Comrades Awards Gala on Friday, October 18.

The event, held in Durban, was a celebration of selflessness, dedication, perseverance, and Ubuntu — the values that embody the spirit of the world’s biggest and oldest ultra-marathon, the Comrades Marathon.

The GEMS Spirit of Comrades Awards Gala, a long-standing tradition since 1996, honours three individuals each year who are recognised not only for their achievements in the race but also for their embodiment of the noble values associated with The Ultimate Human Race.

The recipients were each honoured with a one-ounce, 24-carat pure gold medallion.

These awards, Dr Vuyo Gqola, Chief Operations Officer at GEMS said, were more than just symbols of recognition.

They celebrate individuals who inspire others with their selflessness and commitment to humanity. The selection process for these awards is meticulous, with nominations from race participants, supporters, and the general public.

A special committee, the CMA’s Heritage and Traditions Committee, carefully reviews these submissions, looking for acts of service and perseverance. The final selections are then approved by the CMA Board.

The recipients were:

Klaus Neumann, a passionate advocate for the Comrades Marathon, entered his first race in 1993 and has since earned 28 medals. He currently serves as the Comrades Brand Ambassador for Germany, promoting the race across Germany and neighbouring countries. Through his role, Neumann has encouraged many to participate in the Comrades Marathon and experience the warmth of South African hospitality.

His detailed knowledge of the race has proven invaluable, especially for novice runners on the German-speaking International Bus Tour, that he has led for 13 years. His enthusiasm for the race is contagious, and even on the rare occasions when he hasn’t crossed the finish line, his passion shines through.

Neumann reflected on his love for the race, saying, “Running is my life, and running the Comrades is the icing on the cake. The annual pilgrimage to Durban, the atmosphere at the start, the camaraderie among the runners, and the support from enthusiastic spectators all make it special. I hope this tradition lasts for many more years.”

The second recipient is Shahieda Thungo, affectionately known as Makhi. As the only female pacer who has consistently served as the driver of the 12-hour bus, she has helped countless runners finish the race just before the 12-hour cut-off. Her dedication to slower runners, offering them their last hope, has endeared her to the running community.

Thungo, who has completed seven Comrades Marathons, has overcome her own personal struggles, including surviving cancer and depression. Her resilience and passion for helping others continue to inspire those around her.

Reflecting on her Comrades journey, Thungo said, “Comrades teaches you patience, resilience, and mental fortitude. But more than that, it teaches you Ubuntu —humanity, sharing, caring, and realizing how equal we all are.”

The third recipient, Estienne Arndt, is a runner whose perseverance is unmatched. Having run his first Comrades in 1979, Arndt completed the 1987 race in slip-slops as part of a fundraising effort for Little Eden, an organisation that cares for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The following year, despite losing his foot in a motorcycle accident, Arndt returned to become the first amputee to finish the Comrades Marathon with a prosthesis.

He completed 13 Comrades Marathons, four of which were as an amputee. He is also the founder of the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon, which he recently completed at the age of 69.

“The Comrades Marathon is an annual institution for any runner. It remains The Ultimate Ultra Marathon, a race every long-distance runner strives to complete,” said Arndt.

Independent Newspapers reporter Matshelane Mamabolo was awarded the CMA Journalist of the Year Award. A veteran in sports journalism since 1996, Matshelane has not only covered The Ultimate Human Race extensively but also completed three Comrades Marathons himself.

He shared his passion for the event, saying, “The Comrades Marathon is South Africa’s greatest sporting event. Though it happens once a year, Comrades is a year-long running extravaganza, with each run preparing for The Ultimate Human Race.”

Mahesh Ratanjee was honored as the CMA Top Charity Fundraiser for 2024, raising nearly R200 000 for the Community Chest. As a father still coping with the loss of his daughter, Mahesh has dedicated his efforts to supporting early childhood development programmes. He expressed the emotional significance of his fundraising, stating, “Donning the red Superhero cape in support of Community Chest gave my Comrades Marathon a deeper purpose.”

This year’s Chairperson’s Award was presented to Diane Stowell, a long-standing supporter and volunteer of the Comrades Marathon. Diane’s involvement with the race began in 1996, alongside her late husband Adrian, who was a CMA Board member. Diane has been instrumental in managing the VIP portfolio and ensuring the smooth organization of the race over the years.

Diane shared her thoughts on the race, saying, “The Comrades Marathon has taught us strength, hope, determination, and resilience. These qualities have carried us through the most challenging times.”