Johannesburg Harriers Athletics Club put their Comrades Marathon runners through one final test this week, hosting a spirited ‘Last Dance’ training run to send athletes off with encouragement and unity.

The send-off run took place at Bells In, starting at 07:00, with athletes tackling a flat out-and-back route up to 20km. Clad in the club’s iconic yellow and black, JHAC members turned the morning into a celebration of grit, camaraderie and preparation before the ultimate race.

The club motto is Celer et Liber (Swift and Free) and the rallying call: ‘One last run. Give it everything,” was what the members said to one another as they completed their last training session before the big race.

“We send our runners off, knowing they are well prepared and we wish them a safe journey. We look forward to a medal Monday,” said JHAC chairperson, Donanvan Goliath.

The message of the day captured the spirit of the club.