Roodies host braai-send off for Comrades athletes
40 athletes from the Roodepoort Athletics club are set to tackle the gruelling Comrades Marathon.
The Roodepoort Athletics Club hosted a motivational send-off braai for its members who will be participating in the 98th edition of the prestigious Comrades Marathon this past weekend.
The iconic ultra-marathon, set to take place on Sunday, June 8, will see 40 of the club’s runners take to the streets from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
The braai took place on Saturday, May 31, and saw family, friends, club members and supporters alike come out in numbers to support these runners.
According to Conrad de Buys, the chairperson of the club, this year they have 10 first-time runners, two members tackling their 10th, and one veteran runner who will be marking their 30th Comrades.
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Conrad proudly noted that this year’s contingent of Comrades runners has surpassed previous years, making it the club’s most successful year yet in terms of novice participation.
“We wish all our athletes the very best for the Comrades Marathon. Our road coach, Judge Mongale, has guided them through a rigorous training programme, with early morning and late evening sessions throughout the year. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each athlete for their hard work and dedication, as well as to the committee for their unwavering support behind the scenes,” said Conrad.
Additionally, the runners will be wearing blue awareness ribbons to raise awareness about cerebral damage and also to support Eben Beukes, whose life took a devastating turn when he contracted Covid-19. Eben and his father, Hendrik Beukes, are closely related to one member of the club, Hannetjie Venter.
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“Eben suffered multiple strokes and extensive cerebral damage. Practically overnight, this vibrant, loving child became completely dependent on full-time care. He now requires 24-hour palliative support, including nursing care, feeding assistance, medical equipment and basic necessities like diapers and hygiene products,” said Hannetjie.
The day was more than just a social gathering; it was filled with lovely messages and words of encouragement from those who have walked this path before, and it also commemorated true friendships and camaraderie.
