Irvette van Zyl confirms Comrades Marathon entry

The four-time Soweto Marathon champion has told SABC Sport that her next—and only—return to the Ultimate Human Race will be the 2026 Up Run, scheduled for 14 June, starting in Durban and finishing in Pietermaritzburg.

van Zyl, who finished an impressive fourth in her Comrades debut, believes the Down Run does not suit her strengths. “I can tell you that I will no longer do the down run. I prefer to climb hills and challenge myself. I have decided that I am going back to do the Comrades Marathon again,” said Van Zyl, who is married to nine-time South African 400m hurdles champion LJ Van Zyl.

Now fully fit after battling injuries in recent years, the 38-year-old has already begun her preparations for the Up Run. She revealed that she had planned to take on Comrades for many years but only committed to it recently.

Completing her first ultra-marathon in 6:11:35 marked a strong debut, and Van Zyl has set her sights even higher for her return. “I will be happy with a top three finish at the Comrades. I am going to prepare well and let’s see what will happen,” she said, admitting that fatigue caught up with her during the Down Run.

Beyond Comrades, van Zyl is also planning a busy 2026 season. She is targeting at least one international marathon, as well as the Two Oceans 56km ultra-marathon in Cape Town in April. To sharpen her speed, she will include several 10km races in her build-up.

“I will confirm the name of the marathon next year. The last marathon didn’t go that well, but I am keen to do just one more and mix it with the local competitions,” said the mother of two.

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A stalwart of the Hollywood Athletics Club, van Zyl has won the Spar Women’s 10km Grand Prix series a record three times—an achievement she shares with Glenrose Xaba, Tadu Nare and Rene Kalmer. She has also dominated the Dis-Chem Half-Marathon, claiming victory on more than five occasions, and is expected to kick off her season in January with early-season races.