Germiston Callies host their annual Comrades Breakfast send-off
An eminent Comrades send-off for Germiston Callies Harriers athlete’s was held on Sunday.
As tradition would have it, with the spirit of the 2018 Comrades Marathon growing strong, Germiston Callies Harriers Athletics Club held their annual Comrades Breakfast at the Victoria Lake Club.
The breakfast, preceded by a 10km fun run, celebrated athletes who will be participating in one of the most challenging ultra-marathons in South Africa this Sunday.
It also encouraged athletes and gave them a send-off fit for athletic royalty.
Bruce Fordyce, an ultra-marathon runner who is best known for his nine-time Comrades Marathon wins, was the guest speaker at the breakfast.
Fordyce shared splendid memories of his experience at the Comrades and he advised runners to enjoy it, giving them a few tips on when to walk and when not to walk.
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“There are two landmarks I will tell you about, namely, Arthur’s Seat and the Comrades Wall of Honour,” said Fordyce.
“Firstly, be sure to greet Arthur.
“If you buy a flower and place it on Arthur’s Seat on the day of the race, legend has it you’ll enjoy your second half of the run.
“The seat is about halfway through the race.
“It was apparently the ‘resting place’ where legendary five-time Comrade’s winner Arthur Newton rested, and by greeting him you’ll enjoy the second part of the race.
“Secondly, after all the effort, courage, tenacity, energy and all the relationships you’ve risked to be a part of this race, remember to add your name to the Comrades Wall of Honour.”
Also in attendance was the club’s chairperson, Fred Macdougall, who wished everyone well on their trip to the 93rd Comrades Marathon.
“We are a prestigious club and we constantly endeavour to keep the Callies name high.
“We hold a few Comrades wins and this year we predict we will be returning with six silver medals,” he said.
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According to Les Black, the deputy chairperson, 75 athletes qualified to run in the Comrades this year, and those expected to do well from the club are Zwelithini Vaphi , who will be running his 18th Comrades Marathon, as well as his training partners Emmanual Mavunda and Bheki Hlathswayo.
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