Stories from The Comrades Marathon

Running on Clouds at the 2023 Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon is not just a race – it’s a test of endurance, determination, and human spirit. Every year, thousands of runners from across the globe gather in KwaZulu-Natal to take on this legendary 89 km ultra‑marathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

The 2023 edition left many feeling like they were running on clouds – though not everyone made it to the finish. This iconic event pushes athletes to their limits, and anyone brave enough to start deserves to be called a winner.

We caught up with some of On athletes who tackled this epic challenge. Here are their stories.

Channelle van Wyk (Resilience in the Face of Injury)

Channelle spent months preparing for Comrades. From the 2 am wake-up to lacing her shoes, she was ready. But 11 km in, injury struck. At 24 km, she made the difficult decision to stop – choosing health over finish‑line glory.

Thulani Sotobe (Conquering Narrow Roads)

Thulani described the 2023 race as tougher than 2022, thanks to narrower roads. But his Cloudstratus shoes made the difference—no blisters, no chafing, just strong strides and a powerful finish. His advice? Set realistic goals and respect the course.

Loyiso Moumakoe (Veteran Success)

With 16 Comrades under her belt, Loyiso is no stranger to the race. Running in On Cloud shoes, she smashed her 12‑hour estimate, finishing in 11:08. A textbook performance from a true ultra‑veteran.

Charlton Dollie (Pushing Through the Pain)

Charlton faced challenges – from Field’s Hill to muscle cramps – but kept pushing. While he didn’t meet his target time, finishing the race was a triumph in itself. His Cloudstratus shoes provided the bounce and cushioning he needed to power through the pain.

To all 2023 Comrades Marathon participants—whether you finished or went as far as your body allowed: we salute you. Your grit, passion and perseverance inspire us all. You didn’t just run—you soared.