Cobie 18 seconds away from breaking 2003 marathon record
Smith has always been a runner but it was only five years ago that she decided to take the sport a bit more seriously.
At only 33 years old Cobie Smith cannot remember how many races she has competed the past five years.
Smith has always been a runner but it was only five years ago that she decided to take the sport a bit more seriously. This decision proved to be the right choice for her.
“I run for team Vitality. I love running, it’s like an escape for me. When you’re on the road, there’s an unexplainable feeling. Every race is different and with every race I get to challenge myself,” she said.
Smith has shared a number of podiums with Caroline Wöstmann, who is well-known for making history by winning both the Two Oceans and 90th Comrades marathons in the same year.
This year Smith will be running her third Comrades race.
“My first was in 2016. I came in 3 785th and was the 379th female to complete the race in nine hours and 31 minutes. Last year I completed the race in eight hours and four minutes. I was 867th overall and the 37th female to finish,” she explained.
She pointed out that it took hard work to train for the 90km race.
“You have to look after yourself, put in the kilometres per week, take your vitamins, do your hill and speed training.”
A typical week of training for Smith includes a light 8km jog on Mondays, speed training on Tuesdays, mid-week hill training and on Thursdays steep training and speed work.
Smith is a warehouse supervisor at a company in Spartan and cannot imagine quitting her job to run professionally on a full-time basis.
“I enjoy running without the pressure and at my own time. I wouldn’t want to be told which race to run,” she jokes.
What does she love about competing in races? “Sportsmanship, inspiration, great spirit and companionship before and after races.”
Smith received a VIP invitation to the Pharmaton Edenvale Marathon on March 11 where her number and entry were paid for. “I came first and was 18 seconds away from breaking the 2003 women’s record.”
She completed the 42.2km race in two hours and 59 seconds and broke the sub-three hours in the women’s category.
“It was awesome to have a leading car in front of me. I’ve never had that as I’m always in the back. It was the best feeling ever. Everyone was just cheering me on,” she said delightfully.
Smith added that winning the race was the highlight of her running journey thus far.
What advice can she give to those wanting to start running?
“I recommend running to anyone. You’ll never go wrong with running, even with the aches and pains. You’ll learn a lot about yourself. Everyone can try it, it is hard work though, but if you want to accept the challenge then why not. It’s also really fun, it’s not just about competing.”
What don’t people know about her?
“I’m stubborn,” she laughed.
