The phrase “Desperate Times Calls for Desperate Measures” was well befitting for a Comrades Marathon athlete from Qalabotjha, Villiers as he had to hitch-hike to Kwazulu-Natal, just to take part in this year’s much coverted race.
Puseletso Tsotetsi, had to resort to desperate measures to make it to Durban, in Kwazulu-Natal and take part in this year’s 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon, his 13th in a row. On Thursday the 11th June 2026, Tsotetsi hitch hiked and travelled in a truck to Durban. Upon arrival at Pietermaritzburg he was accomdated to sleep in the same truck until the following morning.
Lack of support and financial challenges in preparations for this race did not prevent Tsotetsi from participating in this year’s race and witness his home-boy Mbuti Mollo from Frankfort also in the Mafube Municipality claiming 3rd position. Tsotetsi started participating in the Comrades Marathon back in 2013, and has since not looked back.
Tsotetsi said he thanked God that under those difficult challenges he managed to take part in the race and reach the finishing line, with a time of 07:36:02. “I could have cancelled the trip to Durban, but could not because of the love and passion I have for running, also I did not want to disappoint many young athletes in Qalabotjha and Ntswanatsatsi Cornelia, who are under my mentorship as they were looking forward to seeing me in that race” said Tsotetsi.
Tsotetsi said his desperate plea for assistance fell on deaf ears until he was rescued by donations from schools in Qalabotjha and Villiers at the last hour.
Besides chasing his own dream, Tsotetsi is also mentoring and training young athletes in schools and creches. He has established an athletics club in Ntswanatsatsi Cornelia, named the Top Runners and an Aerobics Club in Qalabotjha Villiers.
Tsotetsi had aimed for a top 10 finish in this year’s marathon. “Even though things didn’t go as planned, I will try again next year. I would like to congratulate my fellow 5 athletes from our municipality, (3 from Frankfort and other 2 from Qalabotjha), and wish them all the best in the future, especially for Mbuti Mollo, he has made us proud and I hope he does better next time”.
As he starts with next year’s preparations, Tsotetsi said he hopes for a top 10 finish in what will be the 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon. “I would like to thank our schools in Qalabotjha and Villiers for those donations that enabled me to fulfill my ambition” added Tsotetsi.
