Correctional Services official Ntandokazi Makwakwa, stationed at the East London Management Area in the Eastern Cape Region, will put her endurance and determination to the ultimate test when she takes on the 87km Comrades Marathon Up Run on 14 June 2026. Remarkably, Makwakwa only started her running journey in September 2023. In less than three years, she has risen to tackle one of the world’s most demanding ultramarathons.
Hailing from Cradock in the Eastern Cape, Makwakwa highlights that three years may seem like a short period, but she dedicated herself to intense training and continuously pushed her limits. “I realised I have a strong ability for long-distance running through my participation in races such as the 21km Great Kei, 21km Two Oceans and the 21km Tykes. Each race strengthened my confidence and confirmed that I am capable of going further,” she reflects.
She then challenged herself even more, progressing to full marathons, including the 42km Buffs Marathon and the 42km Master’s Marathon – milestones that marked her steady rise in ultramarathon running.
A proud two-time graduate of the University of Fort Hare, holding a Diploma in Archives and Records Management as well as a Bachelor of Social Science, Makwakwa completed the 2026 Two Oceans Ultramarathon (56km) in a time of 06:55.
Affectionately known as “Kazie,” she stresses the level of sacrifice and discipline required to reach this breakthrough. She dedicated her weekends off, leave days and even lunch breaks to training – all in preparation for The Ultimate Human Race. “I have been putting in 100 kilometres per week to maintain my pace, focusing on short steps, a high cadence and controlled breathing. I tested my strategy during the Two Oceans Marathon, where I learned how to adjust to challenging hills and push when it matters most,” says Makwakwa.
She adds that long-distance running does more than build physical strength – it refreshes her mind and reinforces key values such as endurance, discipline, bravery and a deep sense of humanity. Sharing her race strategy, she emphasises her commitment to sticking closely to a well-structured, pre-planned race approach. “I will run alongside my training partner to maintain our pace and ensure we cover the required distances according to our training plan. I am not just chasing a medal – I am determined to finish smart and strong,” states Makwakwa.
With many runners sharing their Comrades experiences and some novices hesitating to take on the challenge, Makwakwa expresses her readiness to conquer that fear. She is determined to make history as the first person in her family to complete the marathon, turning her achievement into a lasting source of inspiration.