CATHERINE Carr, a final year of Bachelor of Social Sciences degree student at UCT is an Amanzimtoti Athletics Club member and Comrades' youngest woman runner.
“It has actually been perfect having to study and train at the same time. I am so passionate about running, probably even more so than I am about my studies, so I know that although I have to do well in my exams, it is just as important to be well prepared for my first Comrades,” said Catherine.
Although she is confident she will finish and is aiming for a bronze medal, Carr, who is also running in aid of the Starfish Greathearts Foundation, expressed concern over a niggling injury. However, she was not letting it deflect her excitement. “Comrades has always been a part of my life – I guess I was born into it as my mom ran the Comrades when she was pregnant with me, but she did not know it.”
Her mom Antoinette will be running her 14th and her dad Suan his 21st Comrades Marathon. Carr said she raised R7,000 for Starfish, which assists children left vulnerable or orphaned by HIV/Aids.
After all the months of hard training, early morning starts and weekend races, this year's 90km down run on Sunday, 1 June has finally dawned.
The epic journey starts at 5.30am from Pietermartizburg City Hall. The route takes 18,000 athletes to Polly Shorts, with a big decline in gradient to Tumble Inn then a huge climb into Umlaas Road, the highest point of comrades 810m into Camperdon, Inchanga. The halfway point will be reached at Drummond with a 11:30 cut off point for runners
The mental game now begins as the Comrades runners have another marathon to complete at this stage. The legs, body and mind will be tested to the max. The route then meanders in to Botha's Hill, Winston Park and the ever-painful, leg-shattering descent down the notorious Fields Hill onto Pinetown, Cowies Hill, Durban boundary into Berea and the home stretch, Kings Park cricket stadium for a mission accomplished.
Runners are to take note of some commandments for Comrades success:
Make sure you have your Championchip on your shoes, Comrades race number on the front and back of your club vest. Cut your toenails four days before Comrades.
Don't oversleep – set two alarm clocks.
Take warm clothing, gloves or blanket to the cold start in Pietermaritzburg. Do not try any new shoes or gear on race day, especially items you have purchased from the expo.
Stay in your seeding batch. If you move up a seeding group, you will start to fast and will pay the price later in the race. If you are sick or injured, don't run on the day of Comrades.
The pasta evening for those athletes who have booked is at Panarotti's on Friday at 6.30pm. The Comrades bus will leave on Sunday, 1 June at 3am, Only members who have paid can make use of this service, as the bus is full.
The Toti AC supporter tent will be in the Hillcrest area. There is always a great vibe of encouragement, leg rub or refreshments. The club gazebo is on site 39 at the finish. The club's black and orange banners will be visible. Go join in as they support runners to the finish.
Results from the race at Mt Edgecombe, which was very hot and hilly:
2hr 40 min Irene Bohmer (4th, first in age category); 3hr 14min Bronwyn Bamber and Andrea Kretchmann; 3hr 18min Jacquie Williams and Barbara Wagner.
