Australian Man and South African woman claim victory in gruelling Durban ultramarathon
The Mt Kenya Times 
By: Norman Mwale
“Today was about courage, not just speed. These athletes showed the world what the human spirit can do when it refuses to quit.” — Race director Sibusiso Dlamini
An Australian runner and a South African favourite stormed to victory in Sunday’s 98th edition of the Durban Ultramarathon, conquering scorching heat, punishing hills and a world-class field to lift the titles in front of a jubilant Kings Park crowd. Western Australia’s Liam O’Connor broke clear in the final ten kilometres to win the men’s race in 5 hours 27 minutes 14 seconds, while KwaZulu-Natal’s Nandi Mthembu defended her home soil with a commanding run of 6:02:51 in the women’s division, securing her second consecutive crown and the R2.5 million purse. Organisers confirmed a record 23,000 starters lined up at dawn, with runners from 72 nations tackling the 87-kilometre course between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
O’Connor, 31, who trains in the Perth hills, said the win was “the hardest and proudest day” of his career. “I came here knowing the history of this race and the strength of South African ultrarunning,” he told reporters, draped in both the Australian and Comrades flags. “At Inchanga the legs were screaming, but I kept thinking of everyone back home who got up at midnight to watch. This is for them.” The former track 10,000-metre specialist made his decisive move at Pinetown, pulling away from defending champion Sipho Ndlovu and Kenya’s Daniel Kiptoo to build an unassailable lead into the stadium.
Mthembu, 29, controlled the women’s race from Drummond, reeling in early leader Gerda Steyn before half-way and extending her advantage through the Valley of a Thousand Hills. “The crowds carried me,” she said, still catching her breath at the finish line. “When I heard the cheers in Cato Ridge I knew I could not let my people down. This win is for every young girl in Umlazi who thinks she cannot run further than her street.” Her victory margin of nearly seven minutes underlined a performance that race director Sibusiso Dlamini called “tactically flawless and deeply courageous”.
Athletics South Africa president James Moloi praised both winners and the spirit of the event. “What we witnessed today was international excellence meeting South African heart,” Moloi said. “Liam O’Connor and Nandi Mthembu reminded us that ultrarunning is not only about physiology, but about character. Their victories will inspire a new generation.” Australian High Commissioner to South Africa, the Hon. Tanya Thompson, congratulated O’Connor trackside, noting that his success “strengthens the sporting ties between our nations and shows what preparation and resilience can achieve”.
Medical staff reported 178 on-course treatments for dehydration and cramp, but no serious incidents, despite temperatures peaking at 31 degrees Celsius. The event also raised over R8 million for local charities, with each finisher earning a medal and a place in one of the world’s oldest ultramarathons. As the sun set over the Indian Ocean, Dlamini reflected on a day that delivered drama and history. “An Australian man and a South African woman stood tallest,” he said. “But every runner who crossed that line today won something. That is the magic of this race.”
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