IT is almost time for one of the greatest sporting events in the world to get under way, namely the Comrades Marathon.
Why anybody would want to trot from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, unless upon fear of their life, no one really knows.
But the reality is that thousands line up each year to put their body and mind through road-running hell.
Lou Schoeman. not running this year, encourages Ziyanda Mkuzo, who is running.
And it’s no different this year, as numerous local runners will join the masses on Sunday (4th) for an up-run of this historic marathon.
Last year South Coast Strider Michael Mzobe hit the front for a bit. You may seem him do the same again, but it’s all part of his tactic to hone his skills for shorter distance races.
So when he fades out of the picture after a while, it’s all part of the plan.
The recent Hibiscus Challenge marathon was a Comrades qualifier which also helped coastal runners test their pre-Comrades fitness and preparation.
South Coast Striders will have had its Pasta Party by the time the paper hits the streets. This is where they predict their finishing times.
Then, when everyone has had time to recover, they have a post-Comrades party, and see how close they came.
This year the newly formed Ugu Athletics Club will have a number of runners taking part.
Siphiwe Jula runs on air.
Some of them are household names on the South Coast, like former top 20 finisher Michael Malunga, while others are rookies taking on the challenge for the first time.
They’ll have been guided and advised by the likes of Pardon Mathebula and Eddie Ramaloo. “Go there and finish the race,” he said, wishing all runners well.
Ugu Athletics Club members who have qualified to run are: Yoganathan Appanna, Priyall Bridglall, Bhoni Brian, Luke Brauteseth, Mthokozisi Cele, Ivan Govender, Siphiwe Jula, Ravendra Jumna, Michael Malunga, Pardon Mathebula, Morgan Moodley, Mahomed Naroth, Eddie Ramaloo, Rakesh Ramdhun, Timothy Shangase, Reshen Sookooram and Innocent Thusi.
Members of Ugu Athletics Club prepare for the 2017 Comrades Marathon. They are (back, from left) Denny Appana, Pardon Mathebula, Ivan Govender, Rakesh Ramdhun, Timothy Shangase and Eddie Ramaloo; (front) Raveen Jumna, Reshen Sookoram, Innocent Thusi and Morgan Moodley.
Striders who have qualified to run: Deborah Berridge, Lionel Berridge, George Cele, Xolani Dlangalala, Gary Dunstone, Luke Dunstone, Mark Dunstone, Zandile Dunywa, Willem du Toit, Helena du Toit, JC Erasmus, Raymond Gaze, Zwelitsha Tiger Gono, Jozelle Grobbelaar, Hennie Kanfer, Matthew Langton, Gary Lennon, Isak Ludick, Alfred Lushaba, Marcel Luther, Eldo Marais, Maxwell Mkhize, Fikile Mkutyukelwa, Ziyanda Mkuzo, Stacy Moore, Brother Moyo, Maxwell Mpiti, Nolwazi Mqulwana, Donnovan Mulder, Weston Mvunguse, Michael Mzobe, Wiseman Ncane, Morris Ngidi, Goodman Nqayi, Sue-Ann Perry, Anton Rossouw, Nkosinathi Shonga, Freek Stander, Riaan van der Wath, Danie van Niekerk, Martin Venter, Jesse Verster jnr, Vusi Vezi and Innocent Xolo.
