Jukskei Park runner competes in her 12th Comrades Marathon
JUKSKEI PARK – Gill Lumley not only successfully finished the Comrades this year, she's actually done it 12 times! Read her story here
Comrades Marathon runner, Gill Lumley (53) laughingly said, “It’s surprising how addicted you become to it,” chatting about how she spent Sunday, 4 June.
A deep devotion to adrenaline rushes is a pretty good explanation for Lumley’s actions. This longtime Jukskei Park resident recently completed the 2017 Comrades Marathon, making this year the 12th time she has run the world’s biggest and oldest ultra-marathon.
During this year’s run, Lumley completed the 87km uphill stretch between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in 10:12:35, well within the 12-hour deadline that participants are given to complete the event.
“That time was one of the slower ones [I have achieved during the Comrades] and I approached it the same way I’ve always tried to approach this race: by putting one foot in front of the other.”
The first time Lumley participated in the Comrades was in 2001. She then competed annually until 2011 but has slowed down over the last few years.
“For me, completing the Comrades is a great personal challenge and that’s why I’ve run it so many times. The support from the public is fantastic and the sense of camaraderie with the other runners is good motivation.”
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As any Comrades runner will tell you, preparation for the race is gruelling. Lumley begins preparing in January and normally attempts to run in at least five other marathons before she takes on the Comrades. Those who enter the race must also successfully complete a five-hour marathon in order to qualify.
Lumley said that another good way to prepare is with her local running club, which has been practising at the Jukskei Park and surrounds for the past 25 years.
“Finally, the most important factor in this race, for me, is the support of my loved ones. My husband Frank is always on the sidelines cheering me on and my good friend Wendy also comes out to support me – she supplies the sandwiches, which is a godsend when your body loses so much salt!”
Lumley has decided that this will be her final Comrades, although she believes that every South African should take part at least once because it is a proudly South African race. She has decided to focus more on trail running in the future.
Did you take part in the Comrades this year? Share your photos and stories with us by emailing fourwaysr@caxton.co.za
