Boksburg Athletics Club (BAC) chairperson Benzi Tenza lauded the club’s showing during this year’s Comrades Marathon ‘up’ run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on June 9.
Tenza, an outstanding athlete in his own right, was named as the club’s new CEO late last year to become the club’s first black chairperson.
Following his 15th successful completion of the ultramarathon, this is what Tenza had to say of the club’s overall performance in this year’s race:
“The Comrades Marathon is not just a marathon; it’s much more than that. It’s a complete package of emotions, physical training and more importantly, determination and focus.
“This was no different to the approach taken by the BAC for Comrades 2019 preparation which was an up run from Durban City Hall to Pietermaritzburg Scottsville Stadium.
BAC lined up this year with 96 members who were ready to do the ultimate human race. In the days before they all packed their essentials and left their homes and travelled to that famous starting line.
“In fact, just getting yourself to the start is a feat. Behind it is months of preparation, of early mornings, of torturous training and often of self-doubt.
“With 14 novices having lined up for the first time in this amazing race, it was a great mix of wisdom and novelty among the runners as they took on this great challenge. In memory of Tommy Malone who died as a good standing member of the club, just weeks before Comrades, it was bittersweet that we cherished his memory in our different ways.”
He said he is proud of the 71 finishers who managed to get themselves their medals.
“Whilst that remains to be said, we are also extremely proud of every member who stood on the starting line-up of this gruelling race. The up run is not an easy feat.
“The support team worked tirelessly to ensure to support along route, and this was amazing support for our club members as they went from Durban all the way to Pietermarizburg.”
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