THE Comrades Marathon has always been a marathon that has interested Durban North resident Janine Course.

The Crusaders Athletics Club member, alongside her good friend and club member Stephanie de Winnaar, is aiming to complete her first Comrades at this year’s Up Run.

Janine will tackle the challenging 85.91km course and has set her own goals with the aim of finishing.

Also read: Comrades Marathon Association shares best spectator spots to catch the action

“I’ve always been into fitness and have been a runner for a long time. However, I had never run a half-marathon or marathon until last year when I decided to enter. I remember watching the marathon on TV, and that planted a seed in my head. After speaking to Stephanie, we decided we were going to enter and not tell anyone. Of course, I had to qualify first so I ran Best of the Best Marathon and the Balwin Sport Dolphin Coast Marathon as qualifiers for the Comrades.

“I actually qualified at the Best of the Best Marathon and then improved my batch seeding at the Dolphin Coast Marathon. I think one thing that stands out on this journey is the amount of dedication and sacrifice needed. You are up early, and my husband, Shane, and my son, Jordan, have been so supportive. I have surprised myself with what I have been capable of achieving up to now, and so much of this is overcoming mental blocks. I didn’t think I could get this far and am proud of how far I have come,” she said.

Janine said she has decided to take the pressure off this year by setting silent goals.

“I have set my own gold, silver and bronze [medals] in terms of the time I want to finish, however, my main goal is to finish the race,” she said.

Also read: Former Greenwood Park resident to hit the Comrades road

Inspired by her Comrades Marathon journey, Janine said her next goal is to run the Two Oceans Marathon with her stepson, Justin Course.

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