Youngest Comrade recounts the ultra marathon’s hurdles

Catherine Carr, a Toti Athletics Club member and the youngest 2014 Comrades Marathon entrant at 20 years-old, finished the gruelling 90km ultra marathon in 11 hours 27 minutes and 9 seconds on Sunday.

“Wow, what an experience,” she said. “It’s amazing how your body and mind just keep moving forward towards that finish line. I can truly say that I enjoyed the race as a whole, however there were times when you think this is long and tough. But the support of family, friends, Toti Athletics Club and even strangers pulls you through.

The race itself is unique. There is such camaraderie among the runners – you’re all going through a similar mental and physical challenge.

When I entered the stadium I was filled with such joy and had a surge of energy. I got a lump in my throat and wanted to cry – it was amazing.

When I first decided to run Comrades, my goal was to run a sub 11 however, a person is faced with many unpredictables,” she said.

“I started the race with an ilio-tibial band injury and during the race I injured my glute and my ankle. Therefore, when I started the race my goal had shifted – I just wanted to enjoy the experience and finish within the cut-off time.

Comrades has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child I was always on the sidelines supporting the runners, due to my parents continuously running the race.

Catherine’s mom, Antoinette finished her 14th Comrades this year, while her dad, Shaun finished his 21st, and her uncle, Bevan his 11th.

“It was inevitable that I would one day run this race.”

Catherine said her training went well, although her last month was cut short due to injury.

“The hardest part on the day was running through the pain, but suddenly the adrenaline kicked in and the pain subsided. I just kept praying and running.

I am very tempted to do the up run next year, as I would like to achieve my back-to-back medal. But for now I just think my ‘young body’ needs a break.”