Running my first Comrades to deliver degrees

My name is Dr Enriqué Francis, and I am a Temporary Skills Lab Lecturer in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria (UP).

I began my running journey casually in 2023, but since 2024 I have approached running with greater purpose and discipline. For me, running is about far more than fitness. It is a reminder that with faith, commitment and discipline you can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and even achieve your wildest dreams.

This year marks a major milestone in my running journey: my very first Comrades Marathon. Running the Comrades has always been a dream of mine and it is the final race in my personal challenge to complete South Africa’s three iconic endurance races, after successfully completing both the Two Oceans Marathon and the Cape Town Marathon earlier this year.

But this year, I am not only running for myself. I am proud to run in support of the Degrees Delivered campaign, a fundraising initi...