Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) runner Rudolf Oberholzer, of Van Dyk Park, received his green number after crossing the finish line during the Comrades Marathon on August 28.
He said his addiction to running made it possible for him to receive the green number.
“Although my training wasn’t up to standard, I knew that I had to cross the finish line and receive my green number because it has always been my dream to get it.
“As I was running the race there were several times where I thought of giving up, especial at the 35km mark. My legs were painful and not agile, but my inner voice told me not to give up. And I indeed continued to run heading to the finish line.
“After that difficult time, I felt relieved and overwhelmed with excitement when I entered the Moses Mabhida Stadium and ran on the grass because I knew I was near the finish line and was just on the edge of achieving my goal.
“The race route was too long, our starting point was at Pietermaritzburg and the finish line was in Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. My body was challenged by the distance of the race. You can simply lose your focus while running such a long-distance race, so you have to ensure your body and mind are prepared for it, before embarking on it,” said Oberholzer.
He added that he believes that if the supporters were not cheering him up he wouldn’t have finished the race.
“My finishing time was 11:28:52 and I’m happy about it, but I’m planning to have a better finishing time in the next Comrades Marathon.
“My advice to other athletes who want to take part in the ultimate race is that they must train consistently for six days every week before the race so that they can be able to complete it or go as far as winning it.
“I would also like to thank God because he kept me safe and healthy. I didn’t become sick or sustain any injuries during the course of the race and before the race.
“My wife has always been my pillar of strength, out of my 10 Comrades Marathon races she has only missed one race.”
Also Read: Boksburg Athletic Club athletes at Comrades Marathon
Also Read: Courageous doctor reaches finishing line of the Comrades
