As one of the well-known “running men” on DUT’s Steve Biko campus, Wesley Ngcobo is fully prepared and looking forward to taking on the 2026 Comrades Marathon this coming weekend.
Wesley, a Team Leader in Human Capital Services (HCS), will be among 30 DUT staff, students and alumni participating in the iconic ultra-marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
For Wesley, this year’s race marks his second Comrades Marathon, and he believes that maintaining the right balance of pacing, mileage and training has been key to his preparation.
“I don’t want to set targets and be hard on myself. As long as I finish the ultramarathon, my goal will be achieved,” he said.
A passionate long-distance runner, Wesley has undergone months of dedicated training in preparation for what is widely known as the “Ultimate Human Race”. His training programme focused on building endurance while strengthening both his physical and mental resilience.
Reflecting on his preparation journey, Wesley acknowledged that injuries remain one of the biggest challenges facing runners.
“It is unfortunate that injuries can disrupt training schedules. I experienced a few injuries during my preparation and had to take time off to recover properly before returning to training,” he explained.
Despite these setbacks, Wesley remained committed to his training and is eager to line up alongside thousands of runners on race day.
“When I finish the race, the feeling will be amazing and I will hopefully look forward to competing again in the future,” he added.
Beyond the physical challenge, Wesley values running for the positive impact it has on his overall wellbeing and the discipline it instils. Through perseverance, consistency and determination, he has embraced the demands of long-distance running while balancing his professional responsibilities at the University.
His participation in the Comrades Marathon reflects DUT’s commitment to promoting health, wellness and active lifestyles among staff, students and alumni.
Pictured: Wesley Ngcobo, running at last year’s Comrades Marathon.
Waheeda Peters
