#ComradesMarathon: BAC members ready for Comrades

The Comrades Marathon is back on August 28 after two years of cancellations due to the Covid-19 restrictions on sporting events. The Advertiser caught up with two Boksburg Athletic Club members who are preparing for the ‘ultimate human race’.

Teacher

First-time Comrades runner Justin Dunn (30), a teacher at Laerskool Westwood, said running has always been his passion and that he is excited about the race.

“I began running when I was seven years old and participated in athletics and cross-country since primary school. I’ve dabbled in a variety of other sports, including hurdles, long jump and high jump, to name a few,” he said.
“The passion for running runs in my family. Both of my parents are marathon runners.”

Dunn was supposed to run the marathon for the second time but was unable to do so due to developing Iliotibial Band Syndrome in 2013.

“I stopped running for five to six years and only started again in 2019, hoping to compete in marathons in 2020, but then Covid-19 struck.

“I resumed training in 2020/21 with my mentor Callie Burger. I’m confident I’ll finish the race with the help of my running partner, Johaan Meyer. We always encourage one another. He has played a significant role in my preparation,” said Dunn.

He advised those enthusiastic about running to never give up and to be disciplined.

“Set goals and once you achieve them you can set them higher. It does get easier. Start somewhere, even if it’s just 2km, and keep going,” said Dunn.

Doctor

Dr Mpho Mnyembane of Tambo Memorial Hospital finished the Comrades Marathon in 2019 in a time of 11:10:00.

For Mnyembane, running is an extracurricular activity and he intends to complete the race.

“Coach Benzi Tenza from the Qhubeka Athletics Club introduced me to marathons and I never looked back,” said Mnyembane.

The 39-year-old said he balances work and training well.

“I get up early for a 10km to 15km run and then get to work by 08:00. After work, I train again at around 17:00, totalling about 210km per week.”

According to the CEO of Tambo Memorial, Zenzo Ndabula, Mnyembane is one of his most dedicated staff members.

“If he wasn’t dedicated, I wouldn’t be celebrating him. We spend a lot of time working and not enough time celebrating good things.

“The hospital is proud that Mpho will be representing us at the Comrades, but we don’t want to wait until he wins to start recognising him,” said Ndabula.

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