AS a philanthropist who always puts others before himself, Gords Reid is hoping to do something he has never done before.

In his own words, Reid sees himself as an average athlete doing extraordinary things.

The Mount Edgecombe resident has run, hiked, pedaled on various modes of cycle, paddled, walked and completed several triathlons covering more than 7000km in his lifetime for various charities in the past 12 years.

Also read: Durban North resident laces up for debut Comrades Marathon

This year he plans to run his first Comrades Marathon for charity. The 52-year-old is raising funds for the South African National Parks (SANParks) Honorary Rangers and has already raised R18 700 (the target was originally R6000).

Representing the DHS Oldies Athletics Club, Reid made a promise to himself at last year’s Run for Rangers event, a fundraising event which sees competitors run 100km over two days to raise funds for game rangers in the country.

“The promise to myself was that if my knees lasted over the 100km then I would do Comrades. It did and I joined the DHS Oldies and now I will be running with my mate Luc Quevauvilliers. I also wanted to give back so I will be raising funds for SANParks and the amazing work they do. They are a phenomenal charity. I’m also planning on doing this year’s Run for Rangers, Project Rhino, so the common theme this year is wildlife,” he said.

Reid, who qualified at this year’s Durban International Marathon and then also ran the Balwin Sport Dolphin Coast Marathon, said his plan is to just finish the race.

“I’m a cheese and wine runner. Even finishing in 11:59:59 will be good for me. I just want to finish. I think it would be arrogant of me to say I’m aiming for X,Y or Z. Being my first Comrades Marathon I want to absorb the day. I know a lot of people on the route so it really is about enjoying the day and soaking it up. I tell people that I am an average athlete doing extraordinary things. That’s really the kicker and I hope to motivate people to push their limits too.

Also read: Comrades Marathon confirms new finish venue, official race distance

“So far my training has been going well. I spent a little over a week sick but I know my fitness is there. I’ve done my route tester already and still felt alright after that. I plan on just doing the one Comrades but I’ve got bets with three people that I won’t do another one. But if you know me I may well do another if the bug does bite. It has been non-stop six months of intense training and dedication and it’s no easy feat. I also have my mind on doing other events next year so you never know,” he said.

Fun on the run

• What is your earliest Comrades memory?

“It would be waking up early in the morning to watch it on TV even before I moved to KZN – the cockerel crowing, Chariots of Fire blaring and the sea of runners was something I couldn’t miss out on watching.”

•  What is the worst thing to shout out to a runner in an ultra-distance marathon?

“It might be ‘you’re almost there’ or ‘it’s all downhill from here.’”

• What is an essential food item you like to eat on a long distance run?

“Hammer Nutrition Perpeteum, biltong and nuts. Just get in my belly!”

•  What tips would you offer to long-distance runners?

“Join a great club and lean on the veterans. The DHS Oldies have been incredible for my running. The club is full of experienced runners and crazy people who fit my vibe.”

•  Why the Comrades Marathon?

“I love crazy challenges for a good cause. Plus I’ve done 10 Midmar Miles, a couple of Dusi Canoe Marathons, more than 10 Amashova races and because we live in KZN. Also ‘they’ say you can’t call yourself a runner unless you’ve run the Comrades. And lastly because I always run for a great cause.”

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here