First-time marathoner qualifies for Comrades Marathon
Wayne Parker was very pleased to have completed the marathon within the qualifier cut-off time.
TWENTY-NINE members of Amanzimtoti Athletic Club (AAC) recently competed in the Best of the Best Marathon, with Wayne Parker successfully completing his first 42km.
The race, which featured distances of 10km, 21km and 42km, was hosted by AmaRavens Athletic Club. It offered a fast and flat route starting and finishing at the Kings Park Athletics Stadium.
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Standout performances came from Irene Bohmer, who came third in the 10km walk, and Parker, who completed his first marathon in a qualifying time of 04:44:34.
Parker’s journey from joining the club two years ago, to achieving this milestone, reflects his dedication and progress in the sport.
“The journey began after supporting the Comrades Marathon runners along the route. The amazement and wonder of watching thousands of runners pass you by was enough to take what was intended as an opportunity to try to lead a healthier lifestyle into running my first marathon,” he said.
Parker said the unsung heroes of the day were the fellow runners, friends who rode their bicycles and cars alongside him for support and encouragement, as well as club captain Warren Gibson, who was committed to making him qualify for the Comrades.
“He sacrificed his own run to motivate, support and give much-needed words of encouragement. I walked, ran, jogged and almost stumbled while chasing the 04:50:00 cut-off. It was an emotional moment to see that I made the cut-off and qualified,” he said.
Liesl Fourie, on behalf of the club, congratulated all the members. “Once again, they made us very proud. Thank you to our members, who, after completing their race, stayed to cheer and motivate those still running,” she said.
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