Nkhensani recently completed her third Comrades Marathon, and this year marked her first Up Run (from Durban to Pietermaritzburg) with a finish time of 09:38:21, earning her the Robert Mtshali Medal. With a cut-off time of 12:00 hours overall, this finish time represents a significant improvement from her previous two Down Run marathon times, where she finished in 10:42:56 in 2022 and 09:44:58 in 2023.
The Comrades Marathon is more than just a race; it's a community experience. Nkhensani expressed that she could not have done it without the incredible support around her. She would like to extend her deepest gratitude to her partner, Thomas Barnato, for his unwavering support.
To her JET colleagues—Justin Du Toit, Rachel Neville, Roelien Herholdt, and Daniel Mashilo—thank you for your motivation. Her family and friends, Daina Nyanisi Baloyi, Gugu Madonsela, and Nthabiseng Motlatle, have been there for her every step of the way.
This run is also a tribute to Nkhensani’s late father, Paramount Rikhotso, who passed away in 2022, the same year her Comrades journey began. He was a school principal in the interSen Phase for over 20 years, and his dedication to education has inspired her passion for working in this sector. Running in his memory provides Nkhensani with a sense of healing and purpose.
Finally, Nkhensani mentions that the song "Ra Malakia" by Dr. Thomas Chauke has been a source of inspiration throughout her training and during the marathon itself.
She expresses gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey, saying, "Together, we made it happen."