Opposition politicians came together as comrades in arms to cross the finish line of the gruelling 89km Comrades Marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on June 11.
Among those bitten by the running bug were deputy finance minister David Masondo, DA national spokesperson Solly Malatsi and Rise Mzansi's Makashule Gana.
Masondo, who bagged his fifth medal after finishing in 10 hours and 51 minutes, said his love for sport prompted him to go "full throttle" into road running.
"I like exercising for health reasons. It reduces one's blood pressure, so it was a no-brainer that I would eventually enter the Comrades.
This is the type of united South Africa I like, where stereotypes of race and gender take a back seat
— Deputy finance minister David Masondo
"What I like the most about this race is that it sharpens my discipline and tests my endurance."
Masondo urged the public to embrace a healthy lifestyle when taking up running, adding: "Take it one step at a time. This is all about continuous improvement."
He said the event was arguably an exhibition of what an ideal South Africa should be as it represented unity and harmony.
"The atmosphere was electric and I give credit to all the supporters who rallied behind us. The camaraderie is always unmatched. This is the type of united South Africa I like, where stereotypes of race and gender take a back seat."
The Limpopo-born politician, who dabbled with soccer in his younger days and runs for K-Way Jeppe Athletics, said the marathon went smoothly, notwithstanding the notorious Drummond hills sapping his energy.
Masondo, who attributed his running exploits to stalwart Dipuo Mvelase, said his training regimen started at dawn, allowing him to complete the pre-qualifiers before his work day started.
The camaraderie is always unmatched. This is the type of united South Africa I like, where stereotypes of race and gender take a back seat
— David Masondo
Gana, chief organiser of fledgling outfit Rise Mzansi, also had no issues juggling training with his political duties.
"I wake up early and get my takkies on. As a norm, I do not look at my phone when I wake up. This pays dividends because I also reflect on the day ahead when I run. It's become a useful tool."
Gana, 39, was in high spirits after bagging his fourth medal in eight hours, 55 minutes.
"I am really happy with what I have managed to achieve. I finished the race without any injuries and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience."
Gana, who was roped into running by his former DA colleague Malatsi, said his discipline and consistency in the build-up to the race bore fruit.
"I was never into running. Even to this day, people tend to be taken aback at what I have managed to achieve."
Malatsi, who earned his third Comrades medal, was also upbeat about how he fared on Sunday, saying he exceeded his expectations.
However, finding time for training was not easy, he said, owing to his busy schedule and becoming a first-time father.
"I was worried about training and that I would get cramps. But I set realistic plans of going there to finish. I finished in 10 hours 52 minutes."
In 2021 Malatsi and Gana ran from Soweto to Tzaneen to raise funds for school shoes, uniforms and sanitary towels for underprivileged pupils. They amassed more than R500,000.
Meanwhile, KwaDukuza DA councillor Tammy Colley ran her fifth Comrades.
"I was pleased with how I performed. I loved the atmosphere. I also loved how we came together united and didn't get bogged down in the petty politics of the country."
The mother of one runs for the Dolphin Striders.
"I started running as a form of exercise and then I started doing marathons. When I did the Two Oceans, I thought I should give the Comrades a bash."
Colley said training did not affect her council duties as most of her runs took place in the early morning.
"It's normally three times a week, then on weekends I go for long runs," she said, adding that she plans to tackle the race again next year.
Someone who didn't take part this year, but is planning a comeback, is deputy education minister Buti Manamela, who made his Comrades debut in 2018.
His attempts to return to the showpiece were dealt a heavy blow when he was ruled out of the race in 2019 due to a knee injury.
"It may be next year or in five years. I have unfinished business with this ultimate human race. I made a conscious decision that I want two Comrades medals. The marathon is something I recommend every South African do at least once in their lifetime."
Manamela said after experiencing first-hand the euphoria of the marathon when watching it with friends in 2016, he was sold on the "ultimate human race".
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