Grace Redden

Community Chest Durban & Pietermaritzburg

Personal Message:

Running the Comrades Marathon has been a dream I never thought possible. Just a year ago, the idea of running a half marathon (21 kilometers) seemed a stretch, but here I am, ready to take on one of the most iconic (and challenging) ultra-marathons in the world. My journey to Comrades started with a simple goal to improve my health, both physically and mentally. Running became an amazing outlet, a way to catch up with friends whilst training for a goal. Along the way, I met Suz, who has been my biggest supporter. She believed in me when I doubted myself, encouraged me on the hardest training days, introduced me to Clif Bloks, and reminded me why we run modestly for long distances - not just for ourselves, but for the ears of the people around us who catch a break from all our chatter (haha). This year, I wanted my Comrades experience to be about more than just crossing the finish line. That’s why I decided to run for charity. Running has taught me resilience, discipline, and gratitude, and I can’t think of a better way to give back than using this opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life. The Comrades event is about camaraderie, and the spirit of this race reminds me that we are stronger together. Just as runners support each other through every step of a race, I hope my race can support others. Every donation, big or small, fuels my motivation to keep going, knowing that each step brings hope to people in need. I’m running Comrades for the challenge, for the community, and most importantly, for the children and families who deserve a brighter future.