Kelder participated in the Virtual Comrades Marathon on the day the annual race was supposed to take place.

Due to Covid-19 regulations, the race could not take place and as a result, runners had to run virtually for the second year running.

Last year he also ran the race on his own.

“Every year I look forward to participating in the Comrades but the pandemic has changed all of that.

But I could not allow that to stop me from running.

“So I entered the virtual race and I invited people to join me, however only a few came through,” he said.

He left Phalaborwa alone and along the journey, some runners joined him for 5 to 10 kilometers at a time.

When he reached Hoedspruit he had covered a distance of 82km and added another 8km by running to the Hoedspruit Airforce Base to complete the full distance, he told the Herald.

Also read: Oupa runs his first Comrades Marathon

Friends and family provided him with refreshments along the road as there were no formal water points as during an organised race.

He told the Herald that he trained every week and ran over 1000km in preparation for the race.

Neil is a health enthusiast and teaches and advises people on diet and training.

Also read: Twee van Tzaneen pak Comrades se 90km

His advice to those who want to start training or lose weight is to start by first taking the decision to change their lifestyle.

“Don’t start by buying expensive gear or training shoes, just start by getting off the couch and run.

“After you pick up some momentum, then you can start by buying the expensive gear.

“Also look for an accountability partner who will help you to be disciplined and to stay focused,” Kelder added.

He said that good nutrition is essential in following a healthy lifestyle.

For more information, follow him on his Facebook page, Healthy Active Phalaborwa.