By opening their doors to over 700 athletes, the learners and staff of Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High proved that the true spirit of the Comrades Marathon race lives in the community that cheers you to the finish line.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (15 June 2026) – For the first time in its history, the Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School community transformed into a village for eager Comrades Marathon participants, opening its doors as partners of the Comrades Association to over 700 eager runners from every corner of South Africa and around the world.
Ahead of the gruelling race day, the school’s campus became a lively hub of nervous energy and shared anticipation where athletes could rest their legs, forge friendships, and mentally prepare for the historic challenge ahead.
A video shared by the school also showed learners and staff going all out to support participants on the big day. From the sidelines, they could be seen preparing fruits and refreshments, handing out water and applying muscle relief spray to the determined athletes as they chased the finish line. The cheers, energy and supporters’ posters were also loud and out in full force.
“Along the route, our staff, learners, parents and volunteers proudly cheered runners on and handed out refreshments, encouraging them every step of the way,” Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School said.
Long-distance racing tests the absolute limits of human endurance, and in those gruelling moments of fatigue, a smiling face handing over a slice of fruit or a cooling splash of water can be the reason to keep going. By stepping up with everything from hydration to much-needed muscle relief, the learners and staff didn’t just provide physical aid; they injected revitalising energy into the runners’ spirits.
The school thanked everyone who played a part in making this experience so special.
“From welcoming athletes to supporting them on race day, it was a wonderful reminder of the power of community, kindness and the true spirit of Comrades.”
While running might look like an individual sport, our people have once again proved that in this event, crossing the finish line is always a team effort!
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