Local runners – this is how their Comrades went down
The 92nd Comrades Marathon saw a number of athletes from the Krugersdorp Road Runners Club competing, but they each had a different experience.
The most recent Comrades Marathon, held on Sunday 4 June, saw a total of 43 athletes from the Krugersdorp Road Running Club battling it out to cross the finish line, and here’s how it went down.
Out of an astonishing 36 athletes who finished the marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, four of them received a Bill Rowan award, which means they finished the race within nine hours, and another four set personal best times.
Athlete Alta Kruger was the first club member to finish, ending 46th in her age group and 143rd out of all the women.
Also Read: Krugersdorp Road Running Club’s shot at winning the Comrades
Sean Delport and Clifford Dittrich both received Green Numbers for completing their 10th Comrades Marathon.
Another athlete successfully finished his 30th marathon, and therefore qualified for the Triple Green status.
Even though these three athletes had experiences in common, such as the perfect weather, each of them had something different to say about their personal experiences.
According to Sean, this was the best Comrades he had ever run. “I was calm all the way, and I really enjoyed this one. I had a ball as I took photos and messaged my fellow-runners along the way to ask where they were and how they were doing,” he said.
Clifford Dittrich also seems to have enjoyed the marathon, as he said it gets “better and better each year”. He said he prayed himself through the last bit, and finished the last 30 kilometres without stopping.
“My wife was my support throughout the marathon as she appeared three times along the route to cheer me on. I had a really great time,” he said.
Walter Sonnendecker had precisely the opposite experience, and described his race as tough and troublesome.
“Even though it was tough, there is a real sense of self-satisfaction that comes along with finishing the marathon. During this race I realised that I was actually going to finish near Polly Shortts. It was hectic,” he said.
Nevertheless, the marathon was a resounding success for the Krugersdorp Road Runners Club, and they’re all already excited about running the next Comrades Marathon together.
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