Saloshni Naidoo, a Key Accounts Consultant from Amanzimtoti, is preparing for the 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon in 2027 with a goal to raise at least R10,000 for Rise Against Hunger Africa. Her journey began after completing her first Up Run in the 2026 Comrades Marathon with a time of 11:32:44. Naidoo's decision to participate in the charity campaign was driven by her desire to give back to vulnerable communities and make a positive impact through her passion for long-distance running.
The 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon, scheduled for June 13, 2027, marks a significant milestone in global road running. The event, carrying the official campaign banner "The Greatest Story Ever Run," will see competitors running from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. For Naidoo, this journey is about more than personal achievement; it's about using her running to raise awareness and funds for a worthy cause. She has created an official Comrades charity fundraising page, where all donations will directly support Rise Against Hunger Africa.
Naidoo's charity of choice, Rise Against Hunger Africa, focuses on improving access to nutritious food, particularly in Early Childhood Development centres. According to Statistics South Africa's 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Country Report, 14% of South African households reported inadequate access to food in 2024. The organization estimates that R3.90 can provide one meal, with R390 providing roughly 100 meals. Naidoo aims to exceed her R10,000 target by engaging corporate sponsors and local businesses.
Kim Carrington, Fundraising and Events Co-ordinator at Rise Against Hunger Africa, welcomed Naidoo's participation, highlighting the opportunity to take their message into broader communities and professional networks. Every kilometre Naidoo runs creates a chance to start a conversation about hunger, raise awareness, and encourage others to become part of the solution. Carrington emphasized that Naidoo's efforts will help amplify the organization's mission.
Naidoo's commitment to community service is reflected in her involvement with Love 2 Run AC, where she has been an active member since 2022. During the recent Mandela Day weekend, members served lunch to 100 pensioners at the Nelson Mandela Youth Centre. This experience reinforced Naidoo's lesson that personal milestone achievements can be powerful vehicles for helping others. She believes running is not solely about personal achievement but also about making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Naidoo's first Comrades experience in 2026 was a significant milestone in her running journey. She credited her friend and fellow runner, Peter Naicker, for his support throughout the challenging distance. The experience left her eager to get back on the road with a sense of purpose. While her personal goal for 2027 is to build on her previous performance, her primary objective is ensuring the fundraising campaign's success.
Naidoo's message to the public is simple: people do not need to tackle an ultra-marathon to create real change. She encourages others to support worthy causes, volunteer their time, or help someone in need. With the support of family, friends, fellow runners, and corporate businesses, Naidoo is confident that her fundraising campaign will be a success, ultimately making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
Key points
- Saloshni Naidoo aims to raise R10,000 for Rise Against Hunger Africa at the 100th Comrades Marathon in 2027.
- The 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon will take place on June 13, 2027, carrying the official campaign banner "The Greatest Story Ever Run".
- Naidoo completed her first Up Run in the 2026 Comrades Marathon with a time of 11:32:44.
