DUT accounting manager swaps spreadsheets for Comrades Marathon
So far, Sacoor has raised R10 000 through fundraising efforts and says he plans to continue growing contributions ahead of race day.
For Naeem Sacoor, a Management Accounting Manager in the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Finance Unit, the 2026 Comrades Marathon will mark more than just a sporting debut — it is a test of endurance driven by a cause close to his heart.
The 36-year-old from Umhlanga Rocks will line up for his first Comrades Marathon on Sunday, running in support of the Community Chest’s Early Childhood Development initiatives.
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So far, Sacoor has raised R10 000 through fundraising efforts and says he plans to continue growing contributions ahead of race day.
“This is my first Comrades, and I have elected to run for charity. The thought of the young kids in dire need is what keeps me going,” he said.
I will complete my first Comrades for them and all my friends and colleagues who have contributed towards this cause.
Sacoor’s journey into long-distance running began just three years ago, starting with 5km park runs.
At the time, his focus was strength training, but his interest in running quickly grew as he progressed to 10km and half-marathon races.
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A major turning point came when he joined the Adidas Runners community, where he built connections and developed a deeper passion for the sport.
“In 2024, I ran my first marathon in Cape Town with the help and support of my running community. My goal at that point was just one marathon a year. I never really had Comrades on my mind at this point,” said Neem.
“In 2025, I went out to watch the Comrades Marathon and supported a number of friends who were running. At the back of my mind, I kept wondering if I could one day manage this race as I did meet the qualifying requirements of the race.”
The atmosphere on the road was exhilarating, and I think the thoughts from that day was what drove me to register for the Comrades in 2026.
Since then, preparation has required discipline and consistency.
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Sacoor has already logged more than 900km in training since January, following a structured programme that includes four running sessions and four strength-training sessions per week, with long runs reserved for Saturdays.
He believes strength training has been key to building the endurance needed for an ultra-distance event like Comrades.
Along the way, he has taken part in several major races, including the Bluff Marathon, Hillcrest Marathon, Chatsworth 52km Ultra Marathon and the Cape Town Marathon.
He also completed the Comrades route tester organised by Beloved Long Runs.
His nutrition approach is simple and structured.
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“I tend to have high-carbohydrate meals a day or two before big races. I also focus on sufficient electrolytes and energy gels during long runs. On race mornings, I keep it simple with peanut butter toast, bananas and electrolytes,” he said.
Balancing training with his professional responsibilities is no small feat.
As Management Accounting Manager, Sacoor oversees the consolidation of DUT’s budget, financial reporting and cost centre management, work that demands precision and focus.
But as he prepares for the iconic Durban-to-Pietermaritzburg ultramarathon, his motivation extends beyond personal achievement.
On race day, he will be running not only for the finish line, but also for the children whose futures he hopes to support through his fundraising efforts.
