The road to Comrades 2026 has officially begun, and South Africans are being called on to rally behind one of the country’s greatest long-distance runners as he chases history.
Through the Medshield Movement, runners, clubs and everyday South Africans are invited to take part in the Backing Bongmusa Challenge — a nationwide challenge inspired by Comrades legend Bongmusa Mthembu and his incredible pursuit of a 13th Comrades Marathon gold medal in 2026.
If successful, Bongmusa could become the first athlete ever to achieve this remarkable milestone, cementing his place in South African running history.
The Challenge: Can You Match Bongmusa’s Pace?
Bongmusa’s average race pace is an astonishing 3 minutes 40 seconds per kilometre — a pace that few runners can sustain, even for a short distance.
Now, Medshield Movement is challenging South Africans to give it a try.
The challenge is simple:
Attempt to run 1KM in 3:40
Upload your attempt to social media
Tag @medshieldsa
Use the hashtags #BackingBongmusa and #Lucky13
And importantly — you do not have to complete the kilometre in 3:40 to enter. The challenge is all about showing up, giving it your best effort and being part of something bigger.
Whether you smash the time or fall short, every attempt counts.
A Chance to Win
Every valid entry gives an individual runner, running club or community the chance to win R5 000.
But beyond the prize money, the challenge is about uniting the running community behind an athlete who has inspired countless South Africans through resilience, discipline and dedication.
From social running groups to elite clubs, the challenge is designed to spark friendly competition, encourage movement and celebrate the spirit of South African running culture.
Why Medshield Movement Is Getting Involved
At Medshield, we believe that prevention starts with the small choices we make every day. Through Medshield Movement, we’re encouraging people to stay active, prioritise their wellness and take a more proactive approach to their health.
The Backing Bongmusa Challenge is about more than pace — it’s about participation, motivation and inspiring healthier lifestyles through movement and community. Whether you’re an experienced runner or simply looking for a fun challenge with friends, this is an opportunity to get moving while supporting a South African sporting icon on his journey to Comrades 2026.
Join the Movement
The challenge closes before Comrades race day on 14 June, so now’s the time to lace up, hit the road and give it a go.
Gather your club, challenge your training partners or attempt it solo — and don’t forget to share your run online.
South Africa is backing Bongmusa. Are you?
Visit medshieldmovement.co.za for free wellness resources, workout content, nutrition tips and more to support your health journey.
View the full competition Terms & Conditions here: https://medshieldmovement.co.za/bongmusas-lucky13-campaign-terms-and-conditions/
