Corrie boasts silver in his Comrades dream
Not only did he find his way to the Comrades Marathon, he managed to bring home a Robert Mtshali medal and a bronze back-to-back medal, which is awarded to athletes who complete a down and up run consecutively.
Shortly before the 2019 Comrades Marathon on June 9, the Vryheid Herald published an online plea on behalf of Cornelius ‘Corrie’ Pretorius.
Also read: Help get Corrie to the Comrades Marathon
He desperately sought help to reach the starting line of the gruelling ultramarathon.
While his goal to compete in the 2019 Comrades Marathon very nearly slipped through his fingers, Corrie, who is no newcomer to the race, did not let financial constraints stand in the way of his dream.
When Corrie visited the Vryheid Herald last week, his smile was proof enough of his achievements.
Not only did he find his way to the Comrades Marathon, he managed to bring home a Robert Mtshali medal and a bronze back-to-back medal, which is awarded to athletes who complete a down and up run consecutively. Corrie explains he managed to find a lift to the race with athletes from Newcastle.
“It was a great feeling as I started the race, and I ran all the way,” he shared with the Vryheid Herald. “I am very thankful to everyone who supported me along the way. It was a hard race – the up runs are always tough. But crossing the finish line… There are no words to describe that feeling,” he trailed off with a smile.
Corrie finished the 2019 Comrades Marathon in a time of nine hours, three minutes and 26 seconds, just short of the nine-hour cutoff time for the Bill Rowan medal. His overall rank was 3 014, out of 19 078 starters. Corrie finished in the overall position of 1 109, out of 6 061 starters in his age group category of men from 40 to 49 years of age.
Well done, Corrie, you have made Vryheid very proud.
Also read: Vryheid Athletics Club runners are ready for the Comrades
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