The Durban University of Technology (DUT) community came out in numbers to show support and proudly celebrate the remarkable achievements of its staff, students and alumni who participated in the 2026 Comrades Marathon on Sunday, 14 June 2026. DUT supporters cheered from four stations along the route at Hillcrest, Cato Ridge (main station), Mkondeni and the finish line at Scottsville.
Thirty DUT runners took on the gruelling 85.8 km Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, joining thousands of runners from around the world. They embodied the spirit of this year’s Comrades Marathon theme, “Ska Fela Moya” (Don’t Give Up), as they navigated the challenging route and pushed through physical and mental barriers to reach the finish line.
The runners represented the university with pride, showcasing not only their athletic ability but also the DUT principles of commitment and excellence. Their participation reflected the institution’s ongoing commitment to promoting health, wellness and active lifestyles among staff, students and alumni.
HCS Senior Director, Mr Victor Mothobi, Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane and CFO, Mr Siboniso Shabalala.
Also among the DUT participants was Chief Financial Officer, Mr Siboniso Shabalala, who took part in the 2026 Comrades Marathon. His participation reflected the university’s commitment to promoting health, wellness and resilience, while also encouraging staff and students to take on personal challenges.
Among the DUT distinguished guests present at the Cato Ridge station were the Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane; Senior Director of Human Capital Services, Mr Victor Mothobi; and DUT Council members, Dr Nonhlanhla Makhanya and Mr Zakhele Gumede.
Addressing DUT supporters stationed at Cato Ridge, Dr Nkonoane commended the staff and students who braved the cold weather and turned out in large numbers to support the runners. He expressed his appreciation for their unwavering spirit and enthusiasm, encouraging them to enjoy the day while continuing to cheer on the runners as they tackled the Ultimate Human Race.
“I would like to welcome all of you to our growing supporters’ team, but most importantly to wish you well. This is a day we are all going to enjoy, and as we move forward, we are also going to build memories. We are going to do it the DUT way. We told our runners to run their race and write their story. We hope that next year, we will grow even bigger as it will be the centenary of the Comrades Marathon,” he said.
Lindokuhle Manyoni
First to cross the finish line for DUT was Mr Lindokuhle Manyoni, Road Running Coordinator and PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at DUT. He recorded an impressive finishing time of 07:10:20, demonstrating the true spirit of excellence. This was a significant improvement, as last year he completed the race in seven hours and 23 minutes.
Speaking after the race, Lindo said that, based on the plan he developed with his coach, he was aiming for a sub seven hour finish. Unfortunately, he sustained injuries to his right leg a few weeks before the Comrades Marathon. Although he did not achieve his target, he was pleased to set a new record for the DUT Athletics Club.
“Nonetheless, I’m not focused on my results. I’m more pleased and encouraged by the club’s performance, particularly Lubabalo Mbangatha and Lauren Snell Hillermann, who both delivered outstanding performances. One earned a silver medal on his first Comrades Marathon attempt, while the other obtained a Bill Rowan medal, becoming the first woman to achieve such a result in the club’s colours. Most of the club members also improved on last year’s times, which is something worth celebrating,” said Lindo.
He is looking forward to next year’s 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon and hopes to better his own record.
Among the DUT silver medallists were Information Systems lecturer and novice runner, Mr Lubabalo Mbangatha, who finished in 07:18:53, and former Student Transport Manager, Mr Steven Mkhize, who secured a 07:24:02 finish.
Leading the DUT women was Dr Lauren Snell Hillermann, who recorded an impressive finishing time of 08:30:33, improving on her 2025 finish of nine hours and 21 minutes. Her achievement was particularly noteworthy as she competed while managing an injury and facing uncertainty about her participation. She demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience in completing the 2026 Comrades Marathon.
Representing DUT students with distinction was Ngceba Kenisa, who delivered a strong performance, crossing the finish line in an impressive 07:38:54. Last year, he completed the race in seven hours and 55 minutes. Also delivering a commendable performance was Nqobile Mngadi, who recently obtained her Diploma in Public Administration specialising in Supply Chain Management from DUT. She completed the race in a strong 09:50:02.
As the runners recover from this prestigious ultramarathon, the university applauds them for their commitment, dedication and for proudly wearing the DUT colours at the Comrades Marathon.
Pictured: Some of the DUT runners at the Comrades Marathon.
Photographers: Khulasande Tshayile/S’bonelo Dlamini
Simangele Zuma/Thubelihle Dumakude
