12 Comrades, 1 purpose: delivering degrees & hope

My name is Audrey Lenoge, and I am the OR Tambo Law Library Manager at the University of Pretoria (UP).

My journey with the Comrades Marathon began long before I ever laced up my own running shoes. Growing up, I watched the Comrades Marathon on TV every year, captivated by the incredible stories of resilience and triumph that define the “Ultimate Human Race”.

In 2010, I experienced the Comrades first-hand when I seconded my husband during his first Comrades Marathon as a novice runner. Witnessing the race up close changed something in me. On the journey home, I knew one thing for certain: one day, I had to stand on that starting line and experience it for myself. That decision marked the beginning of my Comrades journey.

I will proudly be running my 12th Comrades Marathon this year. Comrades has become more than just a race for me. It is a symbol of perseverance, purpose and the belief that no c...