Caitlin Hood: Fearless, fit & ready for Comrades 2025!

Updated June 3, 2025, 9:04 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

She’s not just running Comrades. She’s running her own race, building her empire, and inspiring a nation.

Some people jog. Some people run. Then there’s Caitlin Hood - a powerhouse on a mission, sprinting through life’s challenges like they’re water stops on the side of the road.

Starting off as a Digital & Brand Manager for Mr Price Group, she’s now a digital content creator and influencer who lights up your feed, and the founder of the soon-to-launch Happy Hood Coffee Co.

If that wasn’t enough, she recently flexed her way onto the cover of Women’s Health Magazine in October 2024.

Now, she’s lacing up for her second lap at the Comrades Marathon, tackling The Ultimate Human Race like the icon she is.

As the clock ticks closer to the Comrades Marathon, the authentic, bold, and endlessly inspiring Caitlin Hood joined East Coast Breakfast ahead of this year’s big race.

ALSO READ: Gerda Steyn primed for fourth Comrades title

Reflecting on her decision to take on the marathon again, Caitlin candidly shared, "I'm just doing this year to balance it out. Because if you do one, you have to do another one."

While many might view back-to-back marathons as a daunting feat, for Caitlin, it’s about personal growth. "The entire Comrades journey is challenging, but it was really to push my own limits internally so that I could live a life that really makes me happy."

According to Caitlin, conquering the mental restrictions was among the toughest parts of her first race.

"Last year I said my little phrase for the year was, 'I can do hard things.' I carried that with me through every moment. Like as soon as anything started getting hard, I was like, I can do hard things. I can overcome this."

This mantra has become central to Caitlin's approach, not just for the marathon but in life's various challenges.

Community and connection remain at the heart of Caitlin's marathon journey.

She fondly recalled, "I really love the community that comes from the training leading up to Comrades to on the day. I met so many people along the way, and then months down the line we found each other in supermarkets and on social media again."

Now, as Caitlin prepares for her second Comrades, she expressed her view on the race's variations.

"I found the up run so much easier than the down run." she explained after her route testing experience, debunking a common belief that the downhill route is less taxing.

Despite the physical demands though, Caitlin values the shared experiences and community spirit that the marathon fosters.

Listen to the full in-depth interview below.

ALSO READ: SA’s Davin Beiersdorf shines at Cannes Film Festival

Caitlin Hood's spirit and determination inspire many, whether they are seasoned runners or considering their first marathon.

As she embarks on her next Comrades journey, we, along with her supporters, eagerly anticipate following her progress.

Caitlin’s commitment to pushing limits and fostering connection serves as a powerful reminder of what the human spirit can achieve when relentlessly pursued with passion.

From all of us, good luck to Caitlin and all the brave individuals partaking in this revered marathon. We can’t wait to hear more as Caitlin crosses the finish line!