THIRTY-TWO athletes from the Amanzimtoti Athletic Club have made significant sacrifices, including foregoing social events and committing to early mornings on the road, to prepare for the Comrades Marathon on Sunday (June 9)

Also read: Amanzimtoti athlete gears up for fourth Comrades Marathon

This year’s event marks the 97th edition and the 49th Up Run, starting at Durban City Hall at 05:30 and ending 12 hours later at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg, covering 85.91km.

Among the club’s participants, eight are novice runners and one is completing his 28th race.

Club captain Warren Gibson, who is running his ninth Comrades, emphasised the mental and physical challenges of the race.

“Comrades is a race against yourself – your body and mind. Sometimes, you will have to dig deep and have pep talks to remind yourself why you are doing this,” he said, adding that the support along the way also helps encourage runners to keep going.

Gibson wished all the runners well and encouraged them to enjoy the race. “Have fun, and just put one foot in front of the other. I am proud of each one of you,” he said.

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