The 2017 Comrades Marathon up run, from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, is mere days away and many runners from Benoni’s athletic clubs are making their way to the coast for the world’s oldest and longest ultra-marathon on Sunday, June 4.
Benoni Northerns Athletics Club (BNAC) will once again be taking down one of the biggest contingents of runners to the Comrades Marathon.
In his speech at the club’s annual Comrades breakfast, held at the Benoni Country Club (BCC) on the morning of Sunday, May 28 BNAC chairman Derek Wright said: “This year we had 202 entrants from BNAC, the third year in a row we have had over 200.
“This makes us the third largest of the community clubs (as opposed to the corporates), behind Rand Athletic Club (RAC) and Irene.
“Of our 202 entries, 181 have qualified to run the Comrades and at this point it looks like about 170 will line up at the start.”
Forty BNAC novice runners will take on the Comrades challenge for the first time.
“Whether it’s your first or 27th Comrades the anticipation remains the same and the excitement of taking part in the world’s greatest ultra-marathon is at fever pitch,” added Wright.
The club’s runners who will be striving to join the elite Green Number Club (10 Comrades finishes) this year are Ian Barrable, Mark Lacy, Tim O’Connor and Norman Roberts-York.
Louise Visser will be the only club runner aiming to join the Double Green Number Club (20 finishes).
She will be in good company, though, as there are a number of Double Green BNAC runners who will be taking to the road on Sunday.
David Jacobs (26), Jan Jordaan (25), Norman Milne (23), Gunter Stapel (22), Derek Wright (21) and Dieter Stapel (20) have oodles of experience and will be striving to add another Comrades finish to their respective totals.
Wright wrapped up his speech with these words of encouragement: “I want you all to remember one thing: when you run for Benoni Northerns it is not an individual sport – it’s a team event.
“From arriving at the start until you cross the finish line you are with all your mates in body and spirit.
“You are not alone.
“Feel the support and warmth of the club during the tough times and share the elation with them when you achieve your finish.
“Comrades will be part of your life forever and whether you end up running one or 21, you will be connected to this race for eternity.
“Comrades day will never be able to slip past you again. Even if you’re sitting on the couch or living in another country, you will have joined the elite few who have completed this magnificent world-class event.”
WATCH a video from the BNAC 2017 Comrades preparation season:
You can track your favourite Comrades runner on your Android phone: bit.ly/2rQn9e6
Also READ:
‘Who says you are too old to start something new?’
Benonians dominate the Comrades down run
Benoni streets become runners’ haven
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