Important message to All Comrades Marathon Association members

Please make sure to RSVP ON or BEFORE TOMMOROW 19 NOVEMBER 2025 to be able to attend the AGM in person or online, see information below and also the email you should have received from the Comrades marathon association to RSVP 

Coastal Clash: Nedbank Stars Piet Wiersma and Adele Broodryk Tackle the Challenging Bluff Marathon

The South African road running scene is buzzing with anticipation as two of the Nedbank Running Club's brightest stars, Piet Wiersma and Adele Broodryk, are set to test their endurance against the demanding course of the Bluff Marathon in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Held annually, often in November, the Bluff Marathon is renowned among runners for its picturesque, yet punishing, coastal route, which serves as a popular qualifier for the prestigious Comrades Marathon. For Wiersma and Broodryk, both known for their incredible performances in ultra-marathons, this 42.2km race offers a strategic test of speed and hill-climbing ability in a full marathon format.

Piet Wiersma: The Flying Dutchman's Durban Debut
Piet Wiersma, the Dutch sensation who made an unforgettable mark in South African ultra-running, is expected to bring his elite speed to the Bluff’s streets. Known for his tactical brilliance and strong finishing kick, Wiersma became a household name after his debut performance in the 2023 Comrades Marathon, where he finished second in a thrilling contest.

While Wiersma's focus is often on the ultra-distance, his participation in the Bluff Marathon demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a sharp marathon time. The Bluff course, known locally for its "four heinous hills" and challenging, undulating route that offers stunning ocean views, will be a significant challenge. The two-lap route, starting and finishing at the Fynnlands Combined Sports Club, requires consistent effort and excellent pacing to conquer its repeated climbs.

Defending his Up Run title Wiersma will be using this race as a key training opportunity to prepare for the hills that await in the 99th edition of the Ultimate Human Race. His aim will be to cover every eventuality so come race day he will defend the title and not finish second. The marathon is an excellent race to prepare with.

Adele Broodryk: Takes on the Hills
Leading the charge for the Nedbank women is South Africa’s own Adele Broodryk. A formidable athlete, Broodryk has rapidly established herself as one of the country's top ultra-distance runners, securing impressive podium finishes in major events like the Comrades Marathon in 2022 and 2023.

For Broodryk, the Bluff Marathon will be a key performance indicator. While she possesses the relentless strength required for ultras, the shorter, faster marathon distance demands a different kind of intensity. Her experience navigating the tough gradients of South African races will be invaluable on the Bluff's notoriously hilly terrain.

Coming back from an injury that saw her miss much of the 2025 season, it seems Broodryk is showing the running community that she is back and ready to tackle the challenge that awaits as she prepares to test herself

The Bluff: A Scenic, Yet Severe, Challenge
The Bluff Marathon is often described by runners as "tough and undulating," making it a great tester for the upcoming Comrades Marathon. The route takes runners past significant landmarks, including the Bluff Lighthouse, and along stretches of Marine Drive, offering beautiful scenery that only partially distracts from the sheer physical effort required.

The race is a vital Comrades qualifier, attracting a deep field of runners eager to secure their spot in the ultimate ultra-marathon. For Wiersma and Broodryk, who are usually competing at the sharp end of the Comrades field, the Bluff Marathon presents an opportunity to test their fitness, secure a solid qualifying time, and—most importantly—contribute to the Nedbank Running Club's continued dominance in South African road running.

As these two elite athletes lace up for the challenge, all eyes will be on the Bluff to see if they can conquer the hills and deliver a memorable performance for the green of the Nedbank Running Club.

The Green Dream Team came out firing this weekend, charging through races across the country with pace, power, and a wave of podium-worthy performances!

At the Makhuduthamaga Mayor’s Marathon, Nedbank women dominated the 42.2km race as Gladys Jepchirchir raced to victory in 3:04:37, followed by Elizabeth Jeruiyot Chemweno in 3:11:33 for second, and Annie Chirisa taking third in 3:32:50, with Tabitha Tsatsa rounding off the top five in 3:48:40. In the men’s marathon, Robert Kiprotich

Chelang’a secured a strong sixth place in 2:41:08. The club also shined in the 21km event, where Thabang Masihleho won in 1:07:39, closely followed by teammates Jackson Ole Koisenge in second (1:07:59) and Silvester Kipkemboi in third (1:12:30), sweeping the podium.

Down at the Balwin Properties Umhlanga Run, the 10km delivered two second-place finishes from Benjamin Nyongesa (30:18) and Jenna Challenor (35:34). 

"I went into this run with absolutely no expectations, just purely to see how my body has responded to the last eight weeks of training. I had a great, long break after Comrades. I felt like I had a very hectic race schedule for the first six months so my plan was always to take a break after Comrades and let my body recover properly before I built into my next training block. I went into this race purely to have fun and to see where I was fitness wise. I was very surprised and super happy. I really enjoyed the race, the conditions were not favourable, it was pouring and very windy and it is an undulating course but I really loved it and am very happy with my time and second place. I am excited to build from here.” - Jenna Challenor

At the Tom Jenkins Challenge, George Kusche powered his way to a win in the 21km event in 1:11:26. 

“My run went well this weekend. I was injured after the Comrades for quite some time, but managed to build back mileage and strength in the past 2 months. I have been feeling really strong lately, and I am excited to tackle the African Bank Soweto Marathon, and then focus on 2026! As always, I am thrilled to run for Nedbank and I truly believe that 2026 will be a great year for myself and for the Nedbank Running Club as a whole.” 

Nhlanhla Mncibi claimed a strong second place at the Ulundi Striders Half Marathon, finishing in 1:31:15.

At the HOKA Stellenbosch races, the Green team notched up more podiums as Yohannes Hirbo and Landie Greyling both earned second-place finishes in the 21km (1:11:00 and 1:25:21 respectively), while Keano Qwili added another silver medal with his 32:30 run in the 10km. 

The club continued to shine at the Pirates 10km, where Florence Nyaingiri claimed first place in 36:04, with Lesiba Mooka finishing sixth and Kelly-Lynn Barkley eighth.

On the national stage at the SA 10km Championships, Onalenna Khonkobe impressed with a bronze medal in 29:07. The age-category athletes also delivered great performances: Ingrid Koster placed 3rd SAMA lady and 5th Master, Rika Rossouw finished 2nd in the  in the women’s division.

Rounding off the weekend, Kelly van Vliet claimed second place at the Vukani 15km, while Simphiwe Mfowetshizwa earned another silver for the club at the OR Tambo Municipality 21km, finishing in 1:10:23.

Another weekend, another showcase of Nedbank excellence. Well done to every athlete who raced, supported, and carried the Green Dream Team spirit by across South Africa.

Across the country, from coastal roads to city streets, the Green Dream Team was out in action this last weekend, showing up, giving their best, and keeping the Nedbank spirit alive. With determined runs and steady performances, our athletes once again demonstrated what it means to race with pride, perseverance, and heart.

Melkbos 15km Mo Run
In the Western Cape, Rolandi Schutte delivered a strong performance to secure 4th place in the women’s race, crossing the finish line in 1:04:39.

“It was so good to return to racing after having to take some time off running due to illness. And what better way to race than the Melkbos 15km in my hometown, the beautiful Melkbosstrand. Cape Town had a heatwave over the weekend, so it was very hot conditions to race in, which made it a bit challenging, but all in all, I was very happy and grateful to run healthy and injury free. Running is such a privilege, and the ability to run and the state of good health are such blessings. I am looking forward to starting my marathon prep in 2 weeks time for the Balwin Cape Peninsula Marathon”

Hope Challenge Marathon
At the Hope Challenge Marathon, the Nedbank team claimed podium positions in both the men’s and women’s races. In the men’s event, Benjamin Nyongesa finished 2nd with a time of 2:21:13, while in the women’s race, Fikile Mbuthuma also claimed 2nd place, clocking 1:25:48 over the half-marathon distance.

George Used Car Parts 10km
The Garden Route saw a wave of green with standout results from our athletes at the George Used Car Parts 10km.

In the men’s race, Lloyd Bosman claimed victory in 32:04, followed closely by Selwyn Matthews in 32:37 for 2nd place. Solid performances from Francois Maquassa (5th, 34:16) and Wayne April (8th, 36:08) rounded off a dominant showing.

The women’s team also impressed, with Kirsty Weir taking 3rd in 46:50, followed by Hanlie Schamrel (4th, 46:50), Nadia Joubert (5th, 47:43), Britt Milne (9th, 50:35), and Benita Joubert (10th, 51:59).

Chillie Runners 10km
In Gauteng, Nedbank’s athletes continued to make their mark at the Chillie Runners event.
Kabelo Melamu placed 8th in the men’s 10km race with a time of 33:31, while the women’s team packed the top 10 with runs from Boipelo Orekeng (6th, 40:31), Rosina Jepkosget Kibono (7th, 40:51), Rebecca Nakuwa (8th, 41:17), Tebogo Mokgosinyane (9th, 41:25), and Gladys Jepchirchir (10th, 42:14).

aQuellé Jacaranda City Challenge
Wrapping up a stellar weekend of racing, Bright Mikolongwe claimed a 3rd-place finish in the men’s 42.2km event in 2:27:11, while Estrelita Kotze delivered a 4th place in the women’s marathon, finishing in 3:08:59.
Consistency. Determination. Teamwork. Once again, the Nedbank Running Club proves that hard work and dedication continue to bring green success across South Africa’s racing scene.

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