Preparations are underway for the ‘moving fast on foot’ 2025 eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon, deemed to be one of the fastest growing races in eThekwini.
The Durban University of Technology( DUT) in partnership with Ama-Ravens Athletics Club are hosting the dynamic marathon which will officially take place on Sunday, 02 March 2025, from 05h00 at the Kings Park Athletics Stadium in Durban.
Runners and walkers will be spoilt for choice with distances to run/walk available which includes 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km races, catering to distinctive athletes, fitness enthusiasts and community participants alike.
Sharing her running experience is the bubbly and vivacious three times Comrades medallist and race organiser of the 2025 eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon, Ms Yenziwe Olifant.
“I run for the DUT athletic club (DUT AC) as I represent DUT when I’m competing in races. My role as the organiser of the 2025 eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon is to coordinate and manage the responsibilities of the race and everything race related e.g. technical teams, sponsors, and procurement. The preparations are going well and that is with great thanks to the partnership with DUT and our sponsors,” she relayed.
The energetic runner shares on her fitness journey saying that her passion for running started when she had enrolled at DUT for her Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) degree in Emergency Medical Care (BHSc: EMC&R).
She highlighted that one of the modules consisted of a physical assessment which includes running a 5km distance.
“Being able to complete the 5km distance in the time set out to pass the module gave me indescribable joy and these are some of the feelings one gets from running. Running triggers a dopamine release which is a chemical messenger in the brain that helps with movement, feelings of pleasure and motivation. These are things that are important in a student,” she emphasised.
As a three times comrades marathon medallist, Olifant advises any person that would like to participate to start, as the hardest thing is to start any race.
“We are fortunate that at DUT AC we have a coach that will help you with a structured programme to cater to your goal distance,” she expressed.
In terms of the forthcoming 2025 eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon, the aim is to increase community engagement contributing towards a healthy lifestyle. She indicated that the vision of the 2025 eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon is to commit towards promoting a healthy and active lifestyle and with the partnership with DUT, the goal is to reach more people at large.
“The advice I would give to someone who will be participating in this marathon is to start easy and let your body warm up and then you can increase the pace. Do not forget to have fun and enjoy the marathon,” she emphasised.
Speaking of her tasks as the race organiser, Olifant shared that it is her responsibility to make sure that everyone participating is having the best experience.
“Whether you are a beginner trying to score your first medal or you are a seasonal runner trying to improve your seeding or qualify for the Two Oceans or Comrades Marathon, we have the distance to cater for every person and for that reason I am inviting you to come join us on Sunday, 02 March 2025 and experience what is called the runner’s high for yourself,” she chuckled.
Pictured: Three times Comrades Marathon Champion, Mr Bongumusa Mthembu with Yenziwe Olifant at the launch of the 2025 eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon.
Waheeda Peters
