Post by The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria

Mpumelelo Manyathi, the FHS Choir Conductor, started running in 2023, mainly doing 5km and 10km races. What drew him into running was the amazing community and the physical, social and mental health benefits. He then went on to do half marathons in 2024, starting with the Tom Jenkins Vitality Half, and did his first full marathon in January 2025, which was the Johnson Crane Marathon. The journey has not been smooth and easy, but the running community in Gauteng and in our country has been so supportive and welcoming that he immediately felt a sense of community. He then decided to set 2026 as his ultra marathon running year, starting off with Om die Dam, then the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in the build-up to the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon 2026. Running not only teaches you about discipline but also about aiming for goals that are beyond your wildest imagination. Through his journey, he has learnt how to be resilient and patient when working towards his goals. This will be his first Comrades, so he is both nervous and excited. You can track him on the day on the Comrades app. Bib number: 26962. #ComradesMarathon #RoadToComrades #UniversityOfPretoria