As the country prepares for the highly anticipated Comrades Marathon on Sunday, 08 June 2025, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) proudly shines a spotlight on alumnus Katlego Sekhwela (Molemisi), who is set to run his very first Comrades. Sekhwela graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nuclear Medicine under the Department of Radiography, and he is currently serving as a community service nuclear medicine technologist in the North West Province.
In the build-up to the race, Sekhwela admits that training was not always smooth. “It been a great journey, though not an easy one. Life threw in some obstacles, and I was not always able to train as much as I hoped, but I did enough to believe I will finish the race,” Sekhwela explained. He further explained that his qualifying marathon time of 4 hours, 1 minute, and 14 seconds has boosted his confidence significantly.
As a first-time Comrades runner, his expectations are grounded. “I just want to cross the finish line within the 12-hour cutoff. If I do it in 11 hours, that will be a huge achievement for me. More than anything, I want to enjoy the atmosphere, the camaraderie, and the spirit of the race,” said Sekhwela.
He never set out to become a runner. “I stumbled into the running community by accident, it started as a way to deal with academic stress simple walks that turned into runs. My first 4K left me sore for days, but something about that experience sparked a new love,” he shared. That spark grew stronger over time, eventually evolving into a commitment to 10Ks, half-marathons, and full marathons. Now, Katlego is ready to take on the challenge of the 90km Comrades Marathon.
When it comes to preparation, Sekhwela emphasised the importance of balance especially in nutrition. “I have been carbo-loading ahead of the race, mixed in with a few cheat meals here and there, but overall, I feel mentally and physically ready for the challenge,” he added.
In his professional capacity, Sekhwela plays a vital role in patient care by using radioactive tracers and advanced imaging cameras to examine how the body functions. “Nuclear medicine is a powerful diagnostic tool that helps us not only detect illness but also guide effective treatment,” he explained. Despite his demanding responsibilities in healthcare, Sekhwela has committed himself to one of the world’s most gruelling ultramarathons a journey rooted in passion, discipline, and perseverance.
For others taking part in the race, Sekhwela offers simple yet meaningful advice: “Give it your all, take in every moment, and most importantly finish safely,” he shared.
He closes with a word of gratitude: “A big thank you to DUT for the support they’ve given to alumni runners. It helps to ease the nerves, and it means a lot to know that our alma mater is rooting for us.”
Pictured: Katlego Sekhwela with Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations at DUT, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa and DUT mascot, Zazu.
Sinamile Sithole
