Nare Rammutla with his bronze medal after completing Comrades Marathon 2026
This year marked a significant milestone for Nare Rammutla, a determined disabled runner from the Kgoši Mampuru Management Area in the Gauteng Region, as he successfully completed his third Comrades Marathon.
On Sunday, 14 June 2026, Rammutla achieved his personal best time of 10:52, adding to his growing medal collection, which now includes two bronze medals and Vic Clapham medal.
Affectionately known as “Nare Ramzo,” he proudly embraces his identity as a special runner. After surviving a life-altering incident in 2002, where he was shot and told he would never walk again, Rammutla defied all odds.
“I got shot in 2002 and was told I would never walk again. It was never easy to come out and say I am disabled. But since I accepted it, I feel free and free to speak about,” he mentioned.
Despite the daily pain he endures, running has become more than just a sport for Rammutla. “I live with pain every day, but running helps suppress it. It gives me relief. It is therapeutic,” he explained,” he highlighted.
Now branding himself as the “Unique Bus Driver,” Rammutla is shifting his focus beyond personal achievements. His next mission is to mentor and support social and amateur runners, particularly those who struggle to qualify for the Comrades Marathon.
“My intention is to assist runners who are unable to qualify and guide them to not only reach the start but also finish the race. Comrades is a very long distance that requires discipline and a different approach. You need to be strong both physically and mentally,” said Rammutla.
Having served in DCS since 2007, Rammutla emphasises that the Comrades Marathon is about more than just running. “The Ultimate Human Race is more than a race. “Crossing the finish line is an emotional moment. You can never get used to it. It reflects all the sacrifices one has made and it proves that hard work truly pays off,” he concluded.