Memory of late daughter fuels Daveyton runner
For most of the 25 000 runners who run the Comrades Marathon, the gruelling annual 87km haul is about challenging mind and body and achieving personal goals.
Whether it’s an elite athlete from one of the more prominent professional running clubs, or just your regular runner who manages the qualifying standard in order to attempt one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons, each competitor knows they have to push the boundaries of human endurance.
For each athlete, the race, often dubbed ‘The Ultimate Human Race’, holds a different set of challenges in the quest to achieve personal milestones or better their time set the previous year.
ALSO READ:
That is what spurs every runner on, no matter what level, to push their bodies through the pain barrier year after year in a test of endurance, strength and the human spirit.
And when all is said and done, the personal sense of accomplishment, it has to be said, far outweighs the sore, aching, blistered feet and throbbing muscles.
For Benoni Harriers veteran Fanie Mphuthi, who landed a silver medal in 7:24,28, it has become much more than just about running.
The 41-year-old Daveyton resident, who joined Harriers back in 2006 and is part of their junior coaching structure, has had to overcome personal tragedy in the past two years.
He lost his 15-year-old daughter in 2017 in a poisoning incident at a party and vowed to continue running in honour of her memory. “Her memory inspires me and I think of her through every stride I take,” said Mphuthi.
He said he had hoped to run another sub-seven-hour race but says the changing daytime conditions after a cool start, had been more difficult to contend with than usual.
James Reid, who ran his 29th Comrades, managed to secure a Vic Clapham medal, coming home just within the allocated 12-hour time limit (11:56,52), while fellow green number holder Dawie du Toit also made the final cut (11:54,03).
Anant Manila celebrated achieving his green number with a bronze medal in 10:54,04, while another old hand, Kishor Magan, earned his double green number with a time of 11:11.00, followed closely behind by Pravin Sewnarrin in 11:12,59.
ALSO READ:
Lerena retains his IBO world title
Darienne Eigelaar was the club’s first women’s runner to cross the line in 11:27, 47, to also earn herself a Vic Clapham medal.
“Overall, as a club, I think we have done very well,” commented Harriers’ general manager Anthea du Toit.
“It was a tough day with varying conditions through the day and the road was very congested, making it particularly difficult to pass the host of busses on the route,” she added.
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail
