Several members of the Fanatics Racing Club (FRC) in Fochville are gearing up to take part in this year’s Comrades ultra-marathon.

The famous race, which takes place on June 14, is an uphill run covering 85.77km from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

Residents watching the action unfold on television can look out for the club’s distinctive red, yellow, and black colours, and they can also spot individual runners by keeping an eye on their race numbers.

Leading the pack with the most experience is Olebile Pule (number 17519), who is tackling his 22nd Comrades marathon this year. Not far behind is Elmarie Hayes (12501), who will be competing in the event for the 21st time.

Fochville’s star ultra-distance runner Cornel Metcalfe (8565)is taking on her 19th Comrades, whilst Conrad Freese (29279) is set to participate for the 15th time. Donavan Williams (47049) will be running his 12th Comrades, and Annalisa Freese (36157) is aiming to complete her tenth race to qualify for her permanent green number.

Meanwhile, Moeketsi Makuoane (20677) is the only club member tackling the demanding course for the first time.

The other FRC participants making up the local contingent this year are Eureka de Smidt (50691), Bernardus Jansen (13171), Lise Jansen (13174), Eben Roodt (34484), Quentin Shanahan (20073), Annette Shanahan (29409), David Volkwyn (56713), Leonard Coetzee (54193), Nico Jansen van Rensburg (11131), Melkim Marais (28749) and Ijay van der Walt (14537).