Comrades Marathon punishes locals
Running clubs had a mixed bag of results, after a particularly gruelling Comrades Marathon.
The gruelling Comrades Marathon has produced a mixed bag of results for local athletes.
While some clubs are lauding their cumulative successes this year, others are left to speculate about why results have less of a sheen, compared to previous Comrades runs.
Newcastle Harriers chairman, At Swanepoel is one of the latter.
Despite weather described as good for running, exactly half of the Harriers members who entered this year’s Comrades Marathon could cross the finish line.
In numbers, this was 13 finishers out of 26 total entrants for the club.
“This is the lowest figure I have seen in 20 years with the club.”
Mr Swanepoel surmised the problem could be found in the roots of modern living, which he felt has given athletes less time to train, and has produced athletes comparably less fit than their old-world counterparts.
Of those who did finish, Mr Swanepoel lauded their achievements.
The swiftest Harrier was Jaco Smith, who completed the full 89,28 kilometres in an astounding six hours, 56 minutes and 56 seconds, earning himself the prized silver medal.
Jaco Schoeman was the next fastest, finishing in a Bill Rowan time of 8:08:37.
The remaining finishers included Janet van Veijeren (Bill Rowan), Mthokozisi Dlamini, Karien Gouws, Pradeep Singh, Julian van Wyk, Mary Khumalo (all bronze), Braam van Zyl, Beverley Terblanche, Prem Singh, Madela Ngubeni and Helena Holder (all Vic Clapham).
Mr Swanepoel commended Julian, a first-time Comrades participant who fought to the finish.
“To do the Comrades in just under 11 hours on your first try is good.”
Converse to the Harriers’ fortunes, Eskom Athletic Club enjoyed very few non-finishers this year.
Executive member of the club, Ndabenhle Ndaba explained Phakamani Zulu was the pick of the athletes, completing the marathon in 7:41:48 to earn a Bill Rowan medal.
Other Bill Rowan finishers were Njabulo Mthwethwa, Bongumusa Gubevu and Khulekani Hadebe.
Running for bronze medal status were members Sibusiso Ngwenya, Jacob Banda Jacob, Sibusiso Makhubu, Dumsane Ngcobo, Themba Ziqubu Themba, Thulani Msane, Ndabenhle Ndaba, Khumbulani Luhkele, Buhle Gumbi, Marie Khumalo and Linda Madonsela.
Bheki Mthembu, Celani Myeza, Sihpiwe Mahlinza and Morlene Barath received Vic Clapham medals.
Mr Ndaba singled out Buhle Gumbi for earning a 10th medal, Mfan’lo Ndwandwe for attempting a maiden marathon and Dumsane Ngcobo for his 14th Comrades finish.
