NEWCASTLE – Last weekend, Andre Spies ran his final Comrades Marathon.
With 25 finishes to his name, the Newcastle Senior Primary School principal has retired from the marathon as the local record-holder.
Also see: Roshan to take on his ninth comrades marathon
As for other marathons, he’s not done quite yet.
“I’ve completed seven Two Oceans marathons as well. I will go on running and aim for another three Two Oceans completions.”
Finishing this year’s Comrades in 11 hours and 12 minutes, Mr Spies admitted he had relied more on experience than training to pull him through.
His preference for the ‘up run’ also played a role.
“25 was my goal, and I think I’m done now. I will settle for that.”
At this stage of his life, Mr Spies runs more for health and enjoyment, coupling his success with a balanced diet and iron will.
“Running is about character building. You learn your limits and that you can exceed those limits. It’s also part of life’s lessons, because what you experience over 10 years in life, all those emotions, you experience during a single marathon.”
Mr Spies’s advice to aspirant Comrades competitors was to first ask how seriously they wanted to finish the ultra marathon.
Running the Comrades, he elaborated, took great commitment.
“You have to be up when others are asleep, when it’s cold and raining, and be prepared to stick it through until the end. Set yourself reasonable goals otherwise it won’t happen.”
As a child, Mr Spies and his family followed a healthy lifestyle free of junk food, a trait he carried forward in life.
Sticking to whole, natural foods is his key to success.
“I don’t do carbo-loading, as these extreme methods can lead to problems with the body.”
Reflecting on his Comrades career, Mr Spies said Bruce Fordyce and Wally Hayward were his role models in both running and the Comrades Marathon.
He attributed his achievement to friends, family, colleagues and fellow runners.
“I have made some lovely friends. Thank you to everyone, for encouraging me and sending their well wishes.”
Congratulations, Mr Spies – may you continue to wear 4698 (his permanent race number) with pride befitting the legendary Comrades Marathon.
