WHEN Jen Rigby first watched the Comrades Marathon race on TV, she said, “These people must be completely nuts.”

Little did she know that she will try it and completely fall in love with the ultimate human race.

This year, she will be running her 23rd Comrades.

Speaking to the Highway Mail, Rigby said she first heard about the Comrades when she was staying in England.

“I grew up in North Rhodesia and Zimbabwe and travelled back and forth to the UK. I ran my first race in 1997 when we moved to South Africa.”

Growing up, Rigby participated in athletics, track and field athletics.

“I was introduced to running by my au pair from Norway.”
Moving to South Africa, she first joined the Savages Club.

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“I met people there who became my running friends. From the Savages Club, I registered with the Kingfisher Canoe Club. I joined the club as they did running and paddling. I enjoy paddling.”

She is currently with the Kearsney Striders Club where she has been a member for the past two decades.

The Assagay resident said the race would not be what it is if it was not for the camaraderie and the people on the sides of the roads.

“Preparing for the Comrades is hard work, and to run the race one has to be mentally prepared. For me, the crowds make the race, the cheer and the support is amazing.

“It is a life-changing moment, it humbles you and on the day everyone is the same.”

She said her highlight over the years was running both the up run and the down run in the same time of nine hours and 30 minutes.

Having the double green number, Rigby said she enjoys running and wishes to continue participating in the race.

“I am looking forward to being part of the race in 2027 as it will be a milestone, celebrating a 100 years.”

To prepare for the race, the Upper Highway runner trains during the week and twice on weekends.
Rigby is a fitness fanatic as besides running, she enjoys cycling and mountain biking with her husband.

Also read: Local nutritionist shares race-ready diet tips ahead of Comrades Marathon

“I also do spinning and weights at the gym.” She also enjoys swimming in the sea.

“I used to do triathlon, I have also taken part in a few Ironman Triathlons.”

An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organised by the World Triathlon Corporation. It consists of a 3.9km swim, a 180.2km bicycle ride and a 42.2km marathon run. It is widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world.

Rigby encouraged children to get involved in sport. “It is a wonderful way of life and to keep out of trouble. Running is a way of destressing and it clears one’s mind – people should try it.”

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