Dean is ‘Wight’ on track for Comrades
Dean Wight, the Queensburgh Harriers' most experienced Comrades runner, is geared up for this year's race.
QUEENSBURGH Harriers’ Dean Wight is no stranger to the Comrades Marathon, as he will take on his 25th run at this year’s milestone 90th race on Sunday, 30 May.
Wight, who started running in 1979 after competing in a fun run in La Lucia, said he entered his first Comrades Marathon in 1988 when he was only 19. This was one of his most memorable races, along with his 10th and 20th races.
He was inspired to take up running after finding out that his grandfather also enjoyed running, back in 1921: “It’s now become a part of my life,” he said. For Wright, the hardest part of the Comrades Marathon’s up run (from Durban to Pietermaritzburg) is after the halfway point up to Camperdown, as spectators are scarce along this strip.
“My favourite part of the up run is Hillcrest, and undoubtedly the finish,” he said.
Wight, who has notched up thousands of kilometres of running, said he would advise novice runners not to take on the gruelling ultimate human race in their first year of running: “Get some grounding, let your body become used to running before you tackle the longer distance. Your weekly averagemileage should be between 70 to 120km. Also, use all your training runs as testers for the important runs, like qualifiers and the Comrades.
“By this I mean try different supplements and foods on these runs. Everybody is different. Some people’s bodies will allow them to eat and drink anything en route, others’ won’t. Experiment beforehand.”
He also said it was vital for runners to get the correct shoes: “Seek professional advice from specialist running stores and buy your Comrades shoes a month before the race to run them in.”
When asked what keeps him going along the long Comrades route, Wight said: “I see the same people en route every year, so Comrades for me is very much like an annual reunion. The whole aura of the event makes me come back every year.”
Wright, who has also done the most Comrades Marathons for the club, said the Comrades Marathon is a must for anyone who lives an active lifestyle in KwaZulu-Natal, and added that the race is life-changing.
When asked who his support system consisted of, Wight said it was God, his wife, Des, and the thousands of supporters on the road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Going for double green
ANOTHER member of the club, Robin Reeve, will be running for his double green number this year (20th Comrades Marathon).
Although apprehensive, 63-year-old Reeve remains hopeful that this year he will bring home his double green number. He has attempted to compete his 20th Comrades three times, but has been unsuccessful. This year will be his fourth attempt.
