ON April 13, 1984, Jonathan van Stuyvesant-Meijen appeared on the front page of the Northglen News along with siblings, Frederik and Jolise.

The triplets were welcomed into the world by parents Wilfred and Louise.

Now 41 years later, while not on the front page, Jonathan is making another appearance in the paper and our website, this time as a Comrades Marathon debutant.

A hip injury during a Comrades Marathon qualifier last year scuppered his chances to complete his first-ever ultra-marathon.

Also read: Mount Edgecombe resident to raise funds on the run at Comrades

Now the uMhlanga resident is hoping to use all of his training and running experience to complete a Down Run.

“Last year was going to be my debut with my good mate, Chris Cairns. We had been training together and we had discussed doing an ultra-marathon and we decided to try it. I had actually qualified for the Comrades Marathon at a race but the next day I was in terrible pain on the hip. I was hobbling around thinking this was something serious. After seeing a specialist, he mentioned it was inflammation but the pain was so bad at the time that I wasn’t able to run the Comrades.

“This year I left my qualifying late and I made it at the Durban International Marathon just over a week ago. I think the pull of The Ultimate Human Race is internationally renowned and it is on every long-distance runner’s list to do. It has been on my bucket list for a while now and I was too scared to do it. Having said that my training has shown me I can actually do it and I’m determined to finish it,” he said.

The DHS Oldies Athletics Club member will be seconded on the route by his wife and daughters Racheal and Zoe.

The 41-year-old also touched on his training methods leading up to the Comrades.

Also read: Durban North resident laces up for debut Comrades Marathon

“I fell off the track so to speak after last year’s injury but this year I’ve been more focused with my training and it was tough returning after a hiatus, but I’ve felt the difference with each passing long run. I’ve heard whispers that if you start on a Down Run you wouldn’t want to ever run again, I’m hoping to dispel that,” he said.

Fun on the run

• What is your earliest Comrades memory?

“My earlier Comrades Marathon memory was watching it on TV with my parents but in person it was physically seconding my good mate Chris Cairns on the route. Now I get to experience that as a participant which I’m really looking forward to.”

• What is the worst thing to shout out to a runner in an ultra-distance marathon?

“I would say right at the start saying, ‘Don’t worry, only 90km to go,’ is probably the worst thing to say.”

•  What is an essential food item you like to eat on a long distance run?

“I have to say an ice cold Jagged Ice Powerade. That is all I need, once it hits me I feel like I can finish the race .”

•  What tips would you offer to long-distance runners?

“So remember to put Vaseline on the toes and plasters on your nipples. I’ve learnt the hard way and it doesn’t get better. You think your body will get used to it or recover, it doesn’t.”

•  Why the Comrades Marathon?

“It has always been on the bucket list and I was planning on running in 2024 and this year I’ve got a chance to complete my first and then aim for a back-to-back medal.”

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