Staff Reporter
The Department of Correctional Services will field 207 officials in Sunday’s Comrades Marathon, adding a large public-service contingent to the 99th edition of the country’s best-known ultramarathon.
The department said on Friday its team of 182 men and 25 women would take on the 2026 up-run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, a distance of about 86 kilometres.
Correctional Services said its runners would use the race to make a “powerful statement” about discipline, endurance and resilience within the department.
“Widely regarded as The Ultimate Human Race, the Comrades Marathon demands discipline, endurance and unwavering determination, qualities that Correctional Services officials embody daily in the execution of their duties,” the department said.
It said the runners’ preparation mirrored the structure and commitment required in correctional work.
“Much like an offender’s rehabilitation journey guided by a structured Correctional Sentence Plan, the road to Comrades success is built on commitment, consistency and perseverance.”
The prize money this year includes a R925,000 prize each for the first man and woman over the line, while runners-up will receive R464,000 and third-place finishers R334,000.
The prize money for the top 10 men and women includes a Cell C Top-up that boosts their winnings by just over 30%, and the first 10 men and women will also be awarded solid gold medals.
A further R2,420,000 is on offer for various records or time incentives, taking the total prize money available to R8,210,400, which represents a 10% increase across all categories on the total prize money on offer in the 2025 edition of the race.
Among the Correctional Services runners are 41 Green Number holders, a Comrades honour associated with runners who have completed the race 10 or more times, or achieved other elite milestones such as multiple wins or gold medals.
Rooigrond Management Area Commissioner Nduduzo Buthelezi would be among the most experienced runners in its team, with 26 Comrades finishes.
“His continued participation serves as a testament to enduring spirit that defines both long-distance runners and correctional officials,” the department said.
Retired officials will also run in the department’s colours, including Vitalis Poli, who has completed 34 Comrades Marathons and will again represent Correctional Services on race day.
National Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale will host the runners at a pasta evening at Garden Court South Beach in Durban on Friday, which the department said was a final motivational send-off before the race.
“Participation in the Comrades Marathon has become a flagship wellness initiative for the Department of Correctional Services,” the department said.
It said the programme was aimed at promoting the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of officials.
“Healthy, resilient officials are better positioned to fulfil their responsibilities of ensuring safe and secure correctional centres while contributing positively to society.”
INSIDE POLITICS
