Nothing beats the Comrades feeling, says runners
Several runners from Modimolle will take part in this year’s Comrades Marathon on Sunday 9 June. Runners face an uphill battle from Durban to reach the finish line within 12 hours in Pietermaritzburg.
Their already tired legs will have to face the notoriously steep hill, Polly Shortts, about 7 km from the finish line. Only the top-class runners manage to navigate the 2 km long hill without stopping to walk.
Lucas Seleka, an experienced runner, will this year be the official Comrades sub-12-hour bus driver again. This means that he will be the official pacesetter for those who wish to finish the race within a time of 12 hours – just before the cut-off time. This will be Lucas’ sixteenth Comrades.
“After I got my green Comrades number for completing ten races, I wanted to help those who struggle to finish the race. While running, I saw many people who were struggling and giving up hope, and knew that I could help them. It is not easy to see them suffer,” he said.
Seleka is renowned for the lively and positive vibe he creates while encouraging his group to keep going. Yes, he said, his tambourine is joining him in this year’s race too!
Lizette Enslin (44) is looking forward to her first Comrades.
“I had a nasty flu in the weeks before the race and hope it will not influence my running.” She cannot wait to experience the amazing vibe the Comrades is renowned for. “I am a bit worried about the hills but I prepared well.”
Johan Badenhorst, an educator at Hoërskool Nylstroom, is also back for another Comrades.
“My Comrades journey started as a personal challenge. But I am back this year to be part of that amazing feeling before, during and after the race. It is something special and it’s incredible to be part of it,” he said.
Pastor Daan van Niekerk of the “Lede in Christus” congregation agrees and says the feeling of singing Shosholoza and other songs with 20,000 other runners before the start is hard to beat. He is running his thirteenth Comrades this year.
“This is such an authentic South African event and a blessing to be part of. One makes friends and knows what obstacles and sacrifices each of us had to endure in preparing for this event.”
His soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Erna Crafford, will be running her first race. She is only twenty years old – the minimum age to compete in this arduous ultra-marathon.
Twelve members of the Fitness for All Running Club in Phagameng will run this year. Another 17 members will wait for them along the road to cheer them on.
Those competing are Ezekiël Moatshe, Kgabo Semenya, Koena Semenya, John Lebese, Lucas Seodisa, Solomon Chauke, Bothoboile Chakanyuka, Japhta Ledwaba, Lizette Enslin, Ledile Sekele, Samson Mabiya and Ntsako Maswanganyi.
