16/05/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18P9i6yQ29/
Ghost Called “Marathon Runner” Terrorizes Durban Motorists Between Midnight and Dawn Everyday
DURBAN – Residents of Durban have reportedly reached “peak fear and confusion” after a mysterious ghost known only as Marathon Runner began terrorizing motorists along major roads between midnight and dawn every single day.
According to traumatized witnesses, the ghost appears out of nowhere wearing tiny reflective running shorts, old takkies, and a race number from the 1997 Comrades Marathon pinned to his chest.
“He doesn’t even chase cars,” explained one shaken Uber driver. “He just appears next to your window breathing heavily like he’s been jogging since apartheid ended.”
The supernatural athlete has allegedly been spotted sprinting alongside vehicles on the N2, M4, and several quiet suburban roads before disappearing into the darkness moments later.
“He overtook my Polo while holding a water bottle and shouting ‘KEEP PUSHING!’” said one motorist. “I was doing 120km/h. I immediately called my ancestors.”
Locals say the ghost only appears between midnight and dawn because “that’s when Durban roads are cool enough for long-distance running.”
Several community WhatsApp groups have exploded with theories about the identity of the spirit.
Some believe he is the ghost of a marathon runner who collapsed during a race decades ago and never accepted that he had died.
Others claim he is simply a normal Durban fitness fanatic who accidentally achieved spiritual enlightenment through excessive cardio.
“He’s too fast to be alive,” said another resident. “No human being voluntarily runs uphill at 3AM unless something is deeply wrong.”
Taxi drivers have reportedly developed special anti-ghost tactics, including hooting continuously, blasting gospel music, and refusing to stop for anyone wearing running tights after midnight.
One taxi owner said his driver nearly resigned after seeing the ghost doing warm-up stretches near Umgeni Road.
“He said the thing smiled at him and asked, ‘Brother, what’s your kilometre pace?’ That’s not a ghost. That’s Satan with hydration tablets.”
Meanwhile, Durban authorities say they are investigating the situation seriously.
A municipal spokesperson confirmed that CCTV footage only shows “a blurry figure moving at frightening speed” followed by several terrified motorists immediately skipping red robots.
“We initially thought it was just another fitness influencer,” the spokesperson admitted. “But no influencer runs for free at 2AM.”
Paranormal investigators who attempted to track the entity reportedly gave up after the ghost forced them into an unplanned 15km jog.
“We lost two researchers,” said one investigator. “Not spiritually. Physically. They simply couldn’t keep up.”
In a surprising twist, some residents have started admiring the mysterious runner.
“I won’t lie,” said one Durban man. “The ghost has better discipline than me. I’ve had gym membership since 2021 and I still stretch emotionally.”
At the time of publication, terrified motorists were being advised not to make eye contact with anyone jogging confidently in darkness while whispering motivational quotes.
Authorities also warned citizens never to accept energy gels from unidentified spirits.
Satire Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is a work of satire created for entertainment and comedic purposes. While it may be inspired by real places, behaviors, or public conversations, the events, characters, quotes, and “ghost marathon runner” described in this story are entirely fictional and exaggerated for humor. Please do not report paranormal athletes to the authorities unless they are genuinely overtaking your car at 120km/h.
