Barefoot Cheerleader Captured Cheering Comrades Runners with Heart!

Photo Credit: Clinton Smith via Facebook

Some were tired. Others were ready to throw in the towel. But when one supporter came their way to cheer them on and help take a few more steps, they had reason to keep going. A feel-good Comrades Marathon moment was captured on video showing one barefoot girl offering gentle pats and support to tired runners, encouraging them not to give up on what they had started.

Durban, South Africa (11 June 2025) – It isn’t called the “ultimate human race” for nothing, and as thousands of runners tried themselves out at the 89^th edition of the highly anticipated Comrades Marathon, one endearing barefoot cheerleader stood out in a truly special way.

A video that has been doing the rounds on social media shows Maddyson Shepard, a Grade 7 learner from Northlands Primary School, cheering and running alongside several of the runners she met along the way.

The feel-good moment captured the student encouraging the runners by gently patting their backs and running with them for short distances, showing her solidarity with the athletes as they endured what could have very likely been the toughest physical challenge for many of them.

The video shared on Facebook by Roger Lees with the permission of Clinton Smith was captioned:

“As we as supporters wrapped up our day yesterday, this young lady showed me there is hope for us and she encapsulated everything that made us stand out and support our champions.”

Maddyson’s compassion and support for strangers she had never met before was a small act that not only touched our hearts as distant observers but also, without a doubt, impacted the hearts of those she encouraged, transforming a daunting struggle into a surmountable challenge.

For many, this marathon was a gruelling uphill battle. With every cheer and gentle pat, this girl profoundly validated each athlete’s efforts, reminded them that they were not alone and rekindled their inner strength to keep going.

It is one of those small acts that hold immeasurable impact, and we’re so glad that the wholesome moment was captured, because she’s reminded us of how support and affirmation can lighten a heavy load, make a tough run endurable, and restore hope when all seemed bleak.