Two runners from RandMark have qualified for next year’s Comrades Marathon after completing the challenging race from Kaapsehoop to Mbombela in Nelspruit.

Beulah Botha recalled that race day was extremely hot, with temperatures reaching around 32°C.

“We had to make sure we ate and drank enough to prevent dehydration. Fortunately, the water points were well stocked, but we also had to cool ourselves off with water,” she said.

She added that the final 5km was uphill and particularly tough.

“At least the scenery was beautiful, which helped to distract us a little,” Beulah said.

Beulah and fellow runner Tiffany van Loggerenberg began their training several weeks before the event. Their routine included speed work, downhill sprints to prepare for the race’s many descents, and long weekend runs of 20–30km. They also focused on core strength training.

“On the morning of the race, we realised it was going to be a tough one, but we decided to give it our best and see what happens,” Beulah said.

She explained that it took them about three minutes to cross the timing mat due to the large number of participants, which affected their official time slightly. Still, both runners finished in 4:33:00, successfully qualifying for the Comrades Marathon.

“It’s a relief knowing we’ve qualified. Now we can focus on maintaining our fitness and building a solid base before serious training starts in January,” Beulah added.

Offering advice to aspiring runners, she said preparation is key.

“If you’d like to qualify for Comrades, you need to train properly to avoid injury. Take rest days, eat nutritious meals, and get enough vitamins to stay healthy.”

She also recommended joining a running group to stay consistent and to train at different times of the day to adapt to various weather conditions.