AMANZIMTOTI Athletic Club had 34 athletes take on the Comrades Marathon on June 11, with all of them successfully conquering the almost 90km ultra-marathon.

Early mornings and foregoing social events were part of the sacrifices some club members had to make in preparation for the Comrades Marathon. The club’s Liesl Fourie said they had 34 runners, 14 of which were novices.

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Slindile Mngomezulu (41) completed her first Comrades in a time of 08:28:39, earning herself a Bill Rowan medal. “I was nervous and excited as if I was about to write a very important exam. Everyone was in good spirits, dressed in bright colours, and singing the national anthem at the starting line. A perfect reality that felt almost surreal,” she said.

Mngomezulu said the race was challenging but adaptable. “I began to have serious cramps from 71km until the end. I was forced to run and walk, and I felt mixed emotions. Knowing my family were waiting for me and hearing the crowds cheer motivated me to keep going,” she said.

Damon Cousins (35) who was honoured to be wearing his grandfather’s Green Number for his first Comrades, finished in a time of 10:53:24, earning himself a bronze medal.

“It was fantastic. I walked all the up hills and took it easy overall. I think God was really on my side as the only thing I was worried about was cramping. That only happened with 3kms to go. The support from friends, family and spectators was amazing. I will be doing it again next year, to receive the back-to-back medal,” he said.

Kim Anderson (30) completed her second Comrades in a time of 08:14:31, earning herself a Bill Rowan and a back-to-back medal.

“It was an incredible experience, despite my build-up that initially left me with doubts. The thought of making it to where I knew my family would be kept me motivated along the way,” she said.

By the time she made it to Pinetown and Cowies Hill, she said her body was hurting and she had to dig deep to keep moving. “The support from spectators, kind strangers and fellow club runners kept me going,” said Anderson.

She said she would love to run an Up Run, as the past two years have both been Down Runs.

Fourie, on behalf of the club, congratulated the fierce runners who braved and conquered the marathon.

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