With parents on his vest and fire in his legs, Christian eyes Comrades glory
The runner is preparing for a 90km ‘Up Run’ in this year’s Comrades Marathon.
Christian Rautenbach’s running journey, which started at a mere school-sprinting level, continues to reach greater heights as he prepares to earn his second Comrades Marathon medal.
This year, the 43-year-old Thungela Athletic Club member will be running a 90km ‘Up Run’ from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, aiming to finish at 10 hours and 30 minutes.
“After the Covid pandemic, the first Comrades race was August 28, 2022, on my father’s birthday, and I told him that I would be running it in 2023,” Christian said.
“This year will be my second up run, and I’m aiming to set a personal best for the up run.”
The runner said his parents, pinned proudly on his running vest, have since become his motivation when the journey gets tough.
“I just look down at them, and somehow I get new energy in my legs to complete the race with pride,” he said.
Though balancing a demanding full-time job makes training a challenge, the runner credited consistency for his progress, saying he always forces himself to run, even if it’s 2km.
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Christian said he always complements his training with proper nutrition of bananas, white bread with peanut butter, oats, and supplements on race day, and takes a secret weapon of a heavy mixture of salt and Coca-Cola to prevent cramps.
READ MORE: eMalahleni’s own Joseph Nkosi ready to tackle his 5th Comrades Marathon
As he continues to envision the finish line, the emotional weight of the moment is already undeniable.
“Once you hit the grass and see that finish line, tears run down your face,” he said. “You say to yourself, ‘All your hard work paid off.’ You are a Comrades medal holder, and that’s what makes this race so special.”
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