It is a race steeped in history, endurance and human achievement, and this year, two familiar voices from Central South Africa will once again be part of the action at South Africa’s most celebrated ultramarathon.

OFM Good Morning Breakfast host Shandor Potgieter will be among the thousands of runners taking on the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon, the famed “Up Run”, on Sunday (14/6). 

The gruelling 86km race begins at Durban City Hall and finishes at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg, with runners required to complete the journey within a strict 12-hour cut-off.

Potgieter said one of the most remarkable aspects of the race is the way it brings together people from across the country.

OFM Good Morning Breakfast host Shandor Potgieter. Photo: Facebook

“It’s amazing to see Central South African all over from Northern Cape, North West, Free State and the Vaal making their way to KZN for the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon. 

“Seeing that sport has the ability to unite people from all over is just as remarkable. To be part of that and to earn a spot at the start is just a momentous honour,” he said.

While Potgieter will be tackling the demanding route, fellow OFM presenter John Walland will be waiting at the finish line, welcoming runners as they complete their epic journey.

Walland, who has completed ten Comrades Marathons as a runner, has since retired from the race itself but remains connected to the event. This year, he will once again serve as one of the voices greeting exhausted but triumphant runners as they cross the finish line.

Although he still enjoys running, Walland said his role behind the microphone remains close to his heart.

John Walland. Photo: Facebook

“I look forward to welcoming thousands of runners across the country. It’s gonna be a long day, but this is something very dear to my heart. What I’m looking forward to this year, as I welcome runners at the finish line, is seeing their emotions at the finish line, which is very, very special.”

For Walland, every runner who reaches the finish line represents a unique story of sacrifice, dedication and perseverance. Months of training and preparation culminate in a moment that often becomes one of the highlights of a runner’s life.

“In terms of sending a message to runners who are tackling Comrades for the first time, well, few take a challenge, but I just want to say hang in there, keep going. Trust your preparations and enjoy the journey. 

“Comrades is more than a race, it’s an experience of the human spirit, taking the atmosphere, bracing support from the crowds and remember that you belong there.”

Meanwhile, Comrades excitement is also building in the Free State. On Thursday (11/6), Free State police hosted a send-off ceremony for members of the provincial team participating in the 2026 Comrades Marathon.

The event, held at Mountains View Inn in Harrismith, brought together SAPS management, runners, sponsors and members of the Free State Marathon Association in a show of support for athletes preparing to take on one of the world's most prestigious ultramarathons.

Free State send off of Comrades Marathon participants. Photo: SAPS 

As thousands descend on KwaZulu-Natal for the race, OFM listeners will have a special reason to follow the action, with one of the station’s best-known voices chasing a finish medal and another helping celebrate the emotional triumphs that make the Comrades Marathon one of the most inspiring sporting events in the world.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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