"Top 10 at both Two Oceans and Comrades" – Adele Broodyk set sights on 2026 ultra season after 9th place at ASA cross-country champs

Ten years after lining up at Kees Taljaard Stadium in Middelburg for her last cross-country nationals, ultramarathon star Adele Broodryk returned to the same venue this weekend (September 6) – not to chase medals, but to rebuild the speed, endurance and sharpness she'll need for another assault on South Africa's biggest road races next year. Broodryk, who finished ninth in the senior women's 10km in 41:07 in the colours of Athletics Central North West (ACNW), used the ASA cross-country Championships as a key step in her comeback from a hamstring injury that left her on the ultramarathon sidelines for over a year. 

"There's nothing better for base training for Comrades and speedwork than cross-country. I started with the leagues before winning the ACNW champs and here I am today. It's been 10 years since my last nationals at this venue. It's good to be back. It's lovely to feel how my speed, endurance and fitness are coming back. Every kilometre I run is a blessing, especially after coming back from such a severe injury. It took me more than a year to recover. I'm happy to be back," she told #TheTopRunner.

Broodryk is feeling good again after recovering from injury. She represented Athletics Central North West in the senior women's 10km race at the ASA Cross Country Championships where she claimed a top ten finish. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

With her eyes firmly set on next year's Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (she finished eighth last year in 3:47:50) and Comrades where she boasts a best of 5:56:26 which she clocked to take second place at the 2023 race, the Nedbank Running Club athlete believes sharpening up over the country's shorter, harder terrain will give her the edge needed to compete at the highest level once again.

"I want to get my speed back. I'm really focusing on my speedwork but also being careful not to re-injure myself. And then it all leads down to for me to qualify for the Two Oceans and Comrades."

To achieve those qualification times, the two-time Comrades podium finisher has set the Kaapsehoop Marathon in November as her immediate goal. That race will serve as the launchpad for a campaign aimed squarely at reclaiming her place among South Africa's premier endurance female athletes, with Kaapsehoop marking the official restart of her 2026 season.

Broodryk wants to return to the ultra marathon podium in 2025. Photo Credit: SMacPix.

"After this, it's all systems go for all my ultras next year. I'm super excited,” she said, reflecting on the successful litmus test that was the national cross country championships.

With the Om Die Dam 50km also part of her 2026 plans, for Broodryk, the road back is as much about redemption as it is about reigniting the form that once made her one of the country’s most feared ultra-distance competitors. "I told my team manager, Nick Bester, that I want my 10 golds in both the Two Oceans and Comrades. That’s the aim – top in both races next year. I also want to recapture my Om Die Dam title."