On the road – 24 April 2015

If you happened to be driving on the R103 in the early hours of Sunday morning you would have seen a number of runners making the way from Hillcrest to Pietermaritzburg.

The Comrades route run takes place every year approximately six weeks before Comrades.

The pace is relaxed and Comrades memories and stories are swapped.

Novices get a taste of what is to come and veterans re-evaluate their sanity as they once again find themselves climbing the mighty Inchanga.

I always enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and camaraderie on the route run.

In comparison with the actual race, there is no pressure and so as the sun rises over the valley of 1000 hills you are able to simply appreciate the sheer beauty of the surrounding areas.

As we edged closer to Pietermaritzburg, tired legs climbing up Pollys, the feeling of relief was profound as runners realised they only had 8kms left to run.

Each one had relentlessly continued to press forward, kilometre after kilometre.

Call it what you want; stubbornness, endurance, guts, madness.

Deep down each participant takes that level of determination from the dress rehearsal into the main event on the 31st.

Route runs would not be possible without the help from club members and volunteers.

Thank you to everyone who helped with seconding, drivers, photographers and making sure there was food.

Most of the hard work and training for Comrades is done. Over the next couple of weeks start planning the logistics of your race and remember that the voice inside your head that says you can’t is a liar!

Sarah