The people who give the Comrades Marathon its spirit, the volunteers, fundraisers and community builders whose work continues long after the finish line closes, were honoured at the 2026 GEMS Spirit of Comrades Awards in Durban. For the wider public, the evening was a reminder of what the race means beyond sport: a century-old institution sustained by ordinary citizens who choose to serve.
The awards took place on Friday, 23 October 2026, at the Southern Sun Elangeni, hosted by the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) following the Comrades Marathon sponsors conference. Brand South Africa joined sponsors and partners in recognising individuals whose courage, service and Ubuntu extend well beyond race day. Their stories gave concrete form to the values behind Brand South Africa’s Play Your Part initiative: active citizenship, community care and selfless service.
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The timing carried particular weight. The Comrades Marathon is approaching its 100th edition, to be run on 13 June 2027. That centenary will mark not only a milestone in South African sport but also a tribute to the generations of people who have built the race, from runners and volunteers to fundraisers and partners whose contributions reach far beyond the finish line.
Among those recognised was Nicolas le Roux, recipient of the Top International Ambassador Award, presented by Brand South Africa. Le Roux, a Comrades ambassador based in the United Arab Emirates and a Green Number holder with 12 finishes, has helped grow the UAE’s Comrades contingent, bringing South Africans and the local running community together through their shared connection to the race.
His contribution reaches beyond running. Le Roux led a collection drive for preloved running shoes and worked with Parkrun KZN to get them to runners in rural South African communities. For Brand South Africa, his efforts show what it means to Play Your Part: using a personal passion to make a difference for others.
Ms Toni Gumede, Acting Marketing Manager at Brand South Africa, presented the award. “We have the privilege tonight to award a Comrades Marathon runner who has been able to represent and be a positive ambassador to the Comrades brand, whose foundation is centred on Ubuntu. This is a core value of the South African national identity. Not only that, but the recipient has also been an exceptional Play Your Part example through their social impact project in their community, which brings us excitement,” she said.
Meanwhile, the evening also highlighted the practical support GEMS provides to runners, support with a direct bearing on public wellbeing. Through the GEMS Village, the scheme offers shelter, medical checks and care, including assistance for underprivileged runners who need it in order to take part. The village has grown year after year, reflecting an ongoing commitment to the health of the people at the heart of the race. That hands-on care puts into everyday practice the shared commitment of GEMS and the Comrades Marathon to healthy living and wellness, and it embodies the active citizenship that Play Your Part encourages.
Other recipients brought their own remarkable stories. The awards honoured Martin Hennelly, who returned to earn his Green Number after a near-fatal accident; Buyiswa Fundiswa Mlungu, who completed her first Comrades with the support of a community that believed in her; and Olive Anthony, the first woman of colour to run the race, in 1980. Other Comrades Marathon Association awards recognised outstanding journalism, charity fundraising, ambassadorship and long service.
Brand South Africa has been part of the Comrades Marathon community as a partner since 2023. Its involvement includes connecting with international runners at the expo, supporting runners at a race-day refreshment station and contributing content for the winners’ breakfast.
The organisation congratulates all the recipients, with special recognition for Nicolas le Roux, and looks forward to marking the race’s 100th edition with the Comrades Marathon community in 2027. Their stories carry a message with meaning for every citizen: making a difference begins with choosing to contribute. That is the invitation at the heart of Play Your Part, for every South African to help create positive change and uplift their community.