The Baldwin Properties Dolphin Coast Marathon, held on the 16th of March 2025, saw an impressive turnout from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) running team. 18 Athletes from DUT participated in the certified Comrades marathon qualifier in various events, including the marathon, half-marathon, 10km and the 5km race.
The start locations varied based on the race distances, the 42km started at Lifestyle Centre Ballito, the 21km started at Sibaya Casino, Virginia Sports Ground was the start location for 10km and the 5km runners started their race at the Durban Amphitheatre. All races finished at the Durban Amphitheatre in North Beach. Recreational runners and families also got a chance to be part of this exciting marathon that featured breathtaking ocean views from Ballito to Durban.
According to the DUT roadrunners coordinator, Lindokuhle Manyoni and the Sports Officer under the Sports Administration unit, Mr Yandisa Mdolomba, 18 DUT athletes participated in the Balwin Sport Dolphin Coast Marathon 2025 where some looked to qualify for this year’s Comrades Marathon and others ran for mental wellness and health.
Multiple runners qualified for the marathon runners were able to qualify for the comrades marathon, with some running personal best times. However, it wasn’t just the marathon runners who made their mark. DUT runners also excelled in shorter distances, with a first-year student, Anathi Nyangule, amongst the top racers in 10km event.
“DUT is proud of its athletes who ran the Balwin Sport Dolphin Coast Marathon on Sunday. Their commitment to the marathon was exceptional, thus producing good results. We are proud of all the runners for representing the DUT Athletics Club in the marathon. Well done to all the runners who qualified for the Comrades Marathon. We are certain they will achieve good results at the Comrades Marathon,’ said Mdolomba.
He mentioned that preparations for the DUT athletes running the Comrades Marathon are underway and necessary steps are being taken to ensure that all the university athletes are well prepared and give off their best at the Comrades Marathon.
Amongst the athletes who qualified for Comrades Marathon was Mr Thabani Mhlongo, Senior Director of Real Estate Management at DUT. The seasoned Comrades Marathon runner shared his excitement in meeting his targeted time to complete the marathon and once again qualifying for the Comrades Marathon. He commended his fellow athletes from DUT for their enthusiasm and dedication to participate in the Balwin Sport Dolphin Coast Marathon. Mr Mhlongo said he was looking forward to seeing more members of the DUT community joining the DUT Athletics Club and committing to living a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Matheakuena Mohale, Director of Special Projects in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal at DUT was among the DUT staff members who attended the race to cheer and support DUT athletes. Dr Mohale is also passionate about running and keeping fit, he ran his second Comrades Marathon in 2022. He applauded all the athletes for participating in the marathon and wished them well for the Comrades Marathon. The Interim Chief Financial Officer, Mr Siboniso Shabalala was also among the DUT staff who attended the marathon to support the DUT athletes that were running.
Pictured: DUT athletes at the Balwin Sport Dolphin Coast Marathon 2025.
Simangele Zuma
