Veteran seconder shares her tips for Comrades Marathon
Sandy Williams has seconded or supported her husband, David, on the Comrades route for 43 years.
FOR more than four decades, Durban resident Sandy Williams has been supporting her husband, David Williams, a veteran of 42 Comrades Marathon finishes (and five did-not-finishes), on the Up and Down runs.
Williams has seconded or supported David on the side of the road for 43 years.
“The first time I seconded was in 1979. I can’t tell you the specifics of the times that David ran on the day, but I do remember there being far fewer runners on the route than we see today. While most people call what we do seconding or being a seconder, I feel the right word is ‘supporter’. Because that is what you are doing for your loved ones along the route – seeing them at different points along the route and giving them that boost of encouragement,” she said.
Williams has also been joined by her son and daughter along the route and recalls one of her most memorable supports at David’s 40th Comrades finish in 2014.
“This was the first race our son couldn’t make it to because he was writing exams in Stellenbosch. My daughter decided to blow up a photo of him and tape the picture to the back of a stick. This was attached to a colourful balloon with the number 40 on it. It was on a long string so David was able to pinpoint exactly where we were on race day,” she explained.
“As a family, we are all Comrades fans. My son and daughter have always been there with me along the route; I think the only time when my daughter couldn’t join me was because she, too, ran the Comrades. So the marathon holds a very special place in our hearts,” she said.
Sandy’s tips for race day:
What advice can you offer for seconders?
“The most important thing is to keep calm and just enjoy every moment of supporting your loved one who is running the Comrades. It is an honour and a privilege to be a seconder. The other important thing is if you are planning on supporting them at different spots along the route, ensure you have a backup plan. If you miss each other on the route, don’t stress and move on to the next stop. I generally have a plan with David, saying I’m going to be at Cato Ridge, Botha’s Hill, Pinetown and the finish line. That way, when you move onto the next spot, you’re able to see them.”
What is a must on race day?
“It would have to be the Comrades App. It really gives you an accurate picture of where your loved one is along the Comrades route.”
What do you carry in your seconder bag?
“The tables are generally well-stocked along the route, but I always have a few items in case of emergencies. I have energy drinks, soft drinks, a Chelsea bun or sandwich, a rehydrate, energy gels, plasters and muscle spray. I always carry extra of each item just in case. I will never refuse a runner who might need something so it’s important to have extra. I carry a bag with two of everything, and I have several more items in the car just in case.”
What should you avoid telling a runner on the Comrades route?
“Without a doubt, and other runners have said this, too, do not say ‘you’re nearly there’. When the poor runner is halfway or has 30 or 20km to go, don’t say that. Cheer them on and tell them they are doing fantastically. You can even tell them they are looking good.”
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
