Athletes motivate each other over breakfast

David Gumede of Boksburg Athletic Club(BAC), who obtained the second best time in the last Comrades Marathon, is determined to be in the top three this year – or go as far as winning the marathon on August 28.

He shared his story during the club’s Comrades breakfast at Dias 88 restaurant, in Sunward Park, on August 21.
“This is the third Comrades I’m competing in and I’ve been training hard since January.

“I train twice a day, Monday to Friday. In the mornings I do road running and in the afternoon track running at Boksburg Stadium. On Saturdays, I do a long distance of 50km to keep my body strong and agile.

He added he has been a runner from a young age, but due to an Achilles’ heel injury he sustained 17 years ago, he had to stay away from the sport until 2017, when he was 55.

“I believe the injury occurred because my training schedule wasn’t precise and consistent. My return was fruitful under the leadership of Frank da Ascencao, who became my coach in 2018. I almost achieved a silver medal in Comrades Marathon that year.

“My wife and children have been my pillar of strength in my athletics journey, always supportive and encouraging.
“I was competing in the masters’ category in my last Comrades Marathon and this upcoming Sunday I will be competing in grandmasters, as I’m 60 years old.

“What has kept me an athlete all these years is my love for running and the discipline I get from being an athlete.
“I wish my fellow teammates the best in the upcoming Comrades Marathon.”

The chairperson of the BAC, Richard Montjoie, wished athletes who are competing in Boksburg colours all the best.

“They must make sure they enjoy themselves and reap the rewards of their hard training sessions.

“Nicholas McCann and David Gumede are likely to give us good finish line times because they have good track records in the Comrades Marathon,” said Montjoie.

Also Read: Central Gauteng Athletics hosts athletics challenge

Also Read: Local runners ready for the Comrades Marathon