Wentworth runner geared up for 35th Comrades

LIVING by his motto, ‘pain in temporary, victory is eternal’, Basil Kok is ready to take on his 35th Comrades Marathon in just a few days. 

The world-famous almost 90km race, which will be in its 96th edition and the 48th ‘down run’, is scheduled to take place on June 11.

This year, the race will be starting at the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg and finishing at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.

Kok, 63, of Wentworth, said after watching the Comrades on TV for many years, he decided to participate. 

“In 1986 I decided to support a good friend, Patrick Canham, on his journey. I cycled the complete route alongside him. I thought if I can cycle this I would definitely be able to run it, and so my training journey started. 

“I knew what I was chasing,  whether or not I reached it only time would tell. I just kept telling myself one foot in front of the other and before I knew it I was doing 5km and 10km runs,” he said. 

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Kok said two years later, he found himself on the starting line in 1988. 

“I recall it was an up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. There were mixed emotions, an adrenaline rush, and butterflies, which  felt like the whole zoo. I asked myself what was I doing there? But, when the gun went off there was no turning back, I knew I had to finish what I started and believe me I never looked back 35 years later and I’m still at it, ” he said 

The father of three, said one his greatest supporters was his late wife. 

“I lost my wife of 34 years to cancer in 2017. She was definitely my biggest supporter and was on the side of the road seconding me for 29 years together with our 3 children, who have now continued the tradition.  I also have my four grandchildren up early and all systems are good to go,” he said. 

Kok, who is  a member of the Bluff Athletic Club(BAC), said he started preparing himself about two weeks prior to the big day. 

“I carbo-load, which means a lot of pasta and vegetables, training starts to slow down, now it’s either you ready or not. After 34 years it’s still so nerve-wrecking not knowing what the day ahead will be like,” he said. 

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Kok, said among his accomplishments over the years participating in the Comrades, was achieving his best time, 7 hours and 29 minutes in 1989, and receiving various medals, including one silver, 25 Bill Rowan, seven bronze and one Vic Clapham. 

“It is definitely a great feeling having been able to participate in this many Comrades, but it’s not over, my goal is to reach 40,” he said. 

Kok said his advice to those wanting to take on the world’s oldest marathon, was to be determined and remember that hard work pays-off at the end. 

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“Furthermore, finishing strong is so rewarding, nevermind the position or time. Pain in temporary, victory is eternal,” he said

Lindsay Kapp, the BAC’s treasurer, said they were hoping to collect food item donations for their members participating in the Comrades. 

“The club previously received a voucher from one of the supermarkets, which we used to purchase salt,  bananas, chips, jellies, vaseline, deep heat spray, and plasters, among other items. We would really appreciate any donations, either the items, or cash so we can purchase them,” she said. 

If you would like to assist, contact Kapp on 083 625 3386. 

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