Crusaders line up for Comrades

JUST a over a year after launching, Crusaders Running Club is proud of seven of its athletes who are taking on the challenging Comrades Marathon this Sunday.

Angie Randall of Morningside said she had stopped running when she was still in high school. She picked up the sport again over the last two years and joined Crusaders. “I've always wanted to do Comrades, its been on my bucket list since I was at least 10 years old. My goal is to finish,” she added.

Glenwood's Shaun Reid, also started running only two years ago. “I wanted to do adventure running so got back into running and over the last two years lost 20kg as a bonus. As a youngster I always wanted to run Comrades but never thought I'd be fit enough to do so. I'm looking forward to it and hoping for a sub ten.”

Kevin Atkinson is looking forward to his fourth Comrades and has a goal to get a sub eleven finish. “I might sacrifice my goal to make sure my team mate, Erik van Huyssteen finishes. He didn't finish last time so I want to make sure we finish together, thats what Comrades is about,” he added.

Ross Dovey said there was a lot of nervous excitement ahead of his first Comrades Marathon. “I wish we could just do it already. My goal is to finish,” he said.

“On behalf of the Crusader's committee and fellow members, I would like to wish all our competing runners all the best for their big day on Sunday. Comrades is one of the toughest road running events there is. We salute you for all the hard work and dedication you have put in to get you there and we know you are going to enjoy it and make us proud. Soak up the vibe on the day, there is nothing like it,” chairman of Crusaders, Mark Reeves said.