De Bruin plans for silver after success in debut Comrades

With just under 11km to the Comrades Marathon finish line, Alison de Bruin entered the pain cave and relied only on grit and determination to push herself through intense fatigue and discomfort.

She couldn’t allow herself to quit because it was, after all, ‘the ultimate human race’.

As this was her debut on June 8, the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) top runner was tested like never before.

Despite ‘niggles and aches’, her stubbornness, tolerance for pain, and loyal support from friends and family – especially her dad – pushed her through.

She persevered and ultimately crossed the finish line in Durban ‘hurting’ at 08:37:53 for a Bill Rowan medal, after a hard slog on the 89.98km downhill course from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

“I was hurting, but after getting that far, I told myself I had it in the bag. I fought and stayed determined. I pushed in the last 8km. It may not have been the time I wanted, but the support around me pushed me to continue,” she said.

After months of training -clocking 1 500km – crossing the finish line outside Moses Mabhida Stadium was ‘the most incredible feeling of achievement’ for the Rynfield Primary School teacher.

“I was beyond thrilled. After everything I had been through, and the months of training, I had made it. I was overwhelmed, proud, and happy that I achieved it. It might not have been the time I set out for, but I was still delighted,” De Bruin said.

Although it’s a personal achievement, the athlete ran the race for her father, who has been a pillar of support and inspiration since the day she first laced up her running shoes.

“He is passionate about running. He ran a lot when he was young but cannot do it anymore. I knew he was watching me and incredibly proud of me.”

Reflecting on her overall performance, the St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls alumna said said race went according to plan.

She was disciplined and maintained a decent 05:15 min/km pace, but nothing could have prepared her for the five major climbs – and their many cousins – on a course that was supposed to be downhill.

“Everyone told me it was the down run. But once I started, I realised it wasn’t. It was completely different from what everyone said, so I had to stay disciplined in the first half,” said De Bruin.

Now that she has a Bill Rowan medal, she knows what goal to aim for in next year’s back-to-back race.

“I have noticed I am stronger on the uphills than the downhills. I am going to push to improve my time. I would love to get a silver medal and would be happy – even if I finish in 08:00.

“I want to improve my time by at least 30 minutes.”

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