After announcing earlier this year that she’s aiming to tackle the Comrades Marathon for the first time in her career, Irvette Van Zyl has been classified in the ‘contenders’ category by athletics pundits. Thathe Msimango caught up with her.

The saying “dynamite comes in small packages” rings true for Makhosi Mhlongo, the pocket rocket from Mpumalanga. Running in the colours of the Hollywood Athletics Club and under the guidance of legendary ultra-distance runner Prodigal Khumalo, Makhosi has become a formidable presence across multiple distances.

Hollywood Athletics Club elite athlete Sikhumbuzo Seme will line-up for the 2025 Comrades Marathon optimistic that his chance to claim a top-10 may has finally come.

Known by his clan name ‘Mageba’, speedster Simphiwe Zulu has a running career spanning over 30 years. Once a basketball player at school and a good one at that, he was introduced to running by his PE teacher, who entered him into a 10km race which he went on to win. And from there, Zulu found his calling and never looked back.

Having been brought up in an active, sporty family alongside brothers that excelled both on and off the pitch, Hollywood Athletics Club member Nontuthuko Mashimane has attempted all the sports that you can think of. However, it is running that inspired her most and is a sport that she now not only has dedicated her life to, but also used to inspire many and bring about change and hope for many.

George Sithole caught up with Mathews ‘the General’ Leeto. With a 02:09 Marathon PB and numerous 10km and Half Marathon victories under his belt, he’s remains Hollywood AC’s brightest Purple Stars.