The Durban University of Technology( DUT) in partnership with Ama-Ravens Athletics Club officially launched the much-anticipated 2025 eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon. This prestigious eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon will be testing the endurance, spirit, and willpower of athletes which will take place on Sunday, 02 March 2025, from 05h00 at the Kings Park Athletics Stadium in Durban.
DUT’s partnership with the eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon is a testament to the university’s unwavering dedication to nurturing a culture of health, fitness and community engagement. Through this event, DUT aims to inspire students, staff, alumni and community members to prioritise their wellbeing.
Distances available include 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km races, catering to elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts and community participants alike. It is deemed to be one of the fastest growing races in eThekwini where more than 3000 people had participated in 2024.
Giving some insight into the prestigious race which was established in 2029 was the founder of the marathon, Mr Mthokozisi Khuzwayo from the Ama-Ravens Athletics Club. He expressed his gratitude to DUT for the partnership and its commitment in fostering athletic excellence to the wider community.
Race organiser, Ms Lerato Ntsele of Ama-Ravens Athletics Club spoke fondly of the eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon being a qualifier race for the esteemed Two Oceans and the Comrades Marathons. She further emphasised some wise words to the younger generation indicating that the field of athletics promotes mental wellbeing, healthy lifestyles and youth development.
Speaking on behalf DUT, the Senior Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Alan Khan said: “DUT is deeply rooted within its local context and supporting the eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon 2025 in Durban, waters the roots that DUT has embedded in the city of Durban. DUT also has a rich legacy in the annual Comrades Marathon and the university will continue to focus on health and wellness, whether it’s on the road as runners or as an army of supporters. DUT athletes who run in the Comrades Marathon have received medals from Silver to Bill Rowans, so the university’s support of running, health and wellness continues with the eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon.”
Further on, Mr Khan acknowledged the incredible strides that DUT has made as a university.
“We are a Creative. Distinctive and Impactful university where our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society. Our university is gaining national and international recognition for research and innovation. Webometrics announced their global ranking two weeks ago after evaluating more than 31100 universities and colleges across the world and DUT is ranked in the Top 6% of all universities and colleges worldwide,” he expressed joyfully, urging the people of KwaZulu-Natal to be part of this exciting race and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Route planning which plays an integral role in marathons, was shared by the dedicated Route Measurer of the eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon 2025, Mr Mike Rooke. He expressed that with an elevation change of 244 metres per lap, this was a reasonably comfortable elevation for the runners. He happily shared, “A few weeks ago I was approached by World Athletics to share the route certificates with them because they wanted to give us world athletics certificates which we now have. It is now going to be a World Athletics Points race where athletes from all over the world can come to run this race and gain points to their world athletics time. It is a fantastic thing for a club like this to have a status,” he explained.
Giving technical aspects of the race and compliance was the Race Technical Director and Chairperson of Road Running Commission KwaZulu-Natal Athletics, Mr Makhathini. He emphasized that the race is internationally recognised by Abbott World Marathon Major Age Group Qualifier, meaning that all the athletes from developing countries can come and run the race and get points. He indicated that the 42 km and 21 km will start at the same time 5am, 10 km at 6am and 5 km at 07h00. He emphasised that there will be no changes in the time and route.
Mr Bongumusa Mthembu.
Three times Comrades Marathon Champion, Mr Bongumusa Mthembu vowed his support for the race as the Ambassador. He is looking forward to taking part in the race to help him qualify for this year’s Comrades Marathon.
He encouraged the people of eThekwini including the DUT community to take part in the race as he believes running will help them to live longer. He commended DUT for supporting such a great initiative and for availing their female athletes to take part on the race. He believes there is a lack of elite female athletes.
“We have seen marathons being established and later fading away. However, with DUT partnership I am certain this will grow and empower the athletes especially from the disadvantaged backgrounds. To athletes do not just run for yourself but go back to your communities and inspire upcoming athletes,” added Mthembu.
Delivering messages of support were Mr Mqondisi Ngcobo, Chairperson of the Comrades Marathon Association and Mr Steve Mkasi, President of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics. Both applauded Mr Mthokozisi Khuzwayo of Ama-Ravens Athletic Club for establishing this marathon and DUT for partnering with Ama-Ravens to makes this year’s race bigger and better. Mkasi challenged DUT to continue such partnerships and do not back down from uplifting athletics and the local athletes.
Mr Bongani Yengwa, Manager of the Sports Administration unit at DUT delivered the closing remarks, thanking all the dignitaries and athletes for availing themselves for the launch. He indicated that the DUT staff and students were looking forward to participating in this race and transforming their lives.
Pictured: Esteemed guests at the launch of the 2025 eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Waheeda Peters/Simangele Zuma
