Runners return from Comrades with stories of triumph and pain

While some achieved the times they had aimed for, others were already looking forward to next year’s race to better their times.

“Comrades is simply one of the best experiences a runner could ever wish to have. Your body is tested to its limit and when it gives in your mind needs to be strong,” says club member Janine Bethwaite.

“The crowds along the route are inspiring and support comes from everywhere, strangers, family, friends, all line up along the 89-kilometre route. Towards the end it becomes quite emotional when runners start dropping out, some just lying on the side of the road, others being carried by fellow runners, some sprinting towards the finish. Just watching that gun go off and seeing the runners just barely making it, brings tears to the eyes of just about every spectator.”

The club’s participants say it was a very tough day, as was expected, but some additional challenges put the runners’ perseverance to the ultimate test. The distance was increased by 877 metres, which may not seem like much, but it is an extra few minutes when you’ve run 89 kilometres.

Another challenge was the fact that about 4 000 more runners stood behind the starting line, due to the 90th celebration of the race. This meant that it took longer to cross the start, in some cases as much as 12 minutes, and it was very crowded for the first few kilometres.

The cut-off times were also adjusted this year, with some reduced by 50 minutes, which added pressure on the runners at the back. The heat also took its toll.

The Legogote Villagers’ “Good Morning White River” banner could once again be seen on television to the delight of club members supporting their teammates from home.

The constant training and hard work of the club members paid off, as several athletes proudly brought medals back home, along with stories of triumph and pain.

Twenty one runners managed to cross the finish line, with one just missing the cut-off time of 12 hours (by less than two minutes).

The top three runners were Njabulo Wellington Mahlambi with a time of 09:15:56, Joseph Mashego with 09:29:24 and Grant Bayo Bosman with 09:43:47.

Some of the fastest women in the club were Christine Stoppel-Grove with a time of 10:37:16, Retha Janse van Rensburg with 10:45:52 and Lara Pretorius with 11:20:22. Six of the runners were forced to withdraw at the cut-off points but are determined to train harder and complete the race next year.

The club are very proud of its Comrades athletes and invite all runners who would like to compete in the race next year to join them for training.