Dannhauser duo make Comrades history
With the Comrades cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the race took on a 'virtual' form
With 23 Comrades Marathons between them, Sharda and Tishen Narothum made history this year when they competed in the ‘Race The Legends Marathon’. The mother and son duo took part in the first-ever Ultimate Virtual Race, making local history in the process and earning themselves special medals as well.
With the Comrades cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the race took on a ‘virtual’ form. Competitors could complete a 5km, 10km, 21.1km, 45km or 90km race from the safety of their homes or out on the roads.
All they had to do was record their times using a smart watch, their phone or activity tracker, and upload the results to the Comrades Marathon website.
They could then see how they measured up against athletes around the world and Comrades legends who also ran the race.
Sharda, who has already completed 20 Comrades Marathons, finished the 45km event in a time of four hours and 33 minutes. Starting at 5.30am, when the temperature was still -2, Sharda ran from Dannhauser to Dundee, then into Glencoe and halfway back to Hattingspruit. “It was a difficult experience.
“There was no cheering, no seconds and it was very lonely without supporters on the roadside.
“I motivated myself by just imagining I was at the Comrades Marathon, as it has been like a tradition every year at this time. My body, my mind and my legs just told me I was running the Comrades and it pushed me through.”
Tishen, who has previously completed three marathons, ran 10km.
While there were no cheering crowds this year or athletes helping one another across the line, the Ultimate Virtual Race was still another feather in the caps of this Dannhauser mother and son running pair.
ALSO READ: Local athletes take on the Comrades legends
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394
