Local runners from Balwin Strand Athletics Club delivered a strong collective performance at the 2026 Comrades Marathon, claiming medals across categories in an extraordinary show of determination and endurance on Sunday 14 June.

Months of early morning training, sacrifice and discipline paid off across the field, headlined by a standout result at the front of the race.

Leading the way for the Helderberg was Steven George, who earned special recognition from the club after an impressive performance among South Africa’s elite ultra-marathon athletes. George crossed the finish line in under six hours, finishing 46th overall and claiming the prestigious Wally Hayward Medal – a result the club praised as a shining example of the commitment and excellence that defines their runners.

The depth of Strand’s talent was evident behind George, with a strong contingent claiming silverware across various medal categories. Hein de Villiers and Gerhardus Steyn secured silver medals, while seven athletes, including Paul Steyn, Dewald Grobbelaar and Laura Taylor, earned Bill Rowan medals.

Four runners claimed the Robert Mtshali Medal, eight crossed the line for bronze medal and 14 athletes completed the race to take home the Vic Clapham Medal.

In a statement celebrating the results, Balwin Strand Athletics Club extended its appreciation to every runner, coach, volunteer and supporter who contributed to the historic campaign.

“Behind every medal lies months of dedication, teamwork, and belief. Today we celebrate every athlete who proudly represented Balwin Strand Athletics Club. Your commitment continues to inspire our club and community. You make us proud!”

 Balwin Strand AC results:

– Wally Hayward Medal: Steven George.

– Silver medals: Hein de Villiers and Gerhardus Steyn.

– Bill Rowan medals: Paul Steyn, Dewald Grobbelaar, Laura Taylor, Joey Kandi, Lisa Alexander, Etzanne Oosthuizen and Tapiwa Mutanha.

– Robert Mtshali Medals: Sidwell Hungana, Stefan Wahl, Jandre Wichers and Jacques Grimbeek.

– Bronze medals: Christopher Steven, Cecil Mulligan, Angelique Smit, Kevin van Zyl, Donnae du Preez, Chutshela Lungele Kulu, Kerry Baynes and Schalk van der Merwe.

– Vic Clapham medals: Kim Solomon, Demi Mac Naughton, Jaco Uys, Rialize Joubert, Renett Odendaal, Jandri Rochussen, Karlien Conradie, Ebenice Goosen, Moleboheng Likotsi, Koos Smit, Adel Smit, Tertia de Waal, Tertia Brand and Johanna Maree.