For the Christophers, running is in their blood.
The family’s love of running began with Derek Christophers, who competed in his first Comrades Marathon in 1976.
His son Richard followed his lead, competing in his first Comrades Marathon when he was just 18 years old, after a school career filled with athletics and cross-country.
And now grandson Kenneth has followed suite, competing in and finishing his first Comrades Marathon this year.
ALSO READ: Callies set to collect medals at Comrades
Kenneth (30) began preparing for the gruelling ultramarathon by attending local parkruns with his family.
“We’d head to the Victoria Lake Parkrun every Saturday, which is great family time,” said Kenneth.
“Once we’d done a few of those, my dad asked when I was going to run a 10km and so on and so on, and from there the bug bit and my running progressed.
“Running the Comrades has always been a goal of mine, and is a wonderful family tradition.
“I have been running for a while and training towards it and this year was the year.”
Kenneth admits he had a terrible run, but still managed to finish the race a minute-and-a-half before the cut-off time.
“I had hoped to finish the race two to three hours quicker than I did as I was fit and physically ready for the race, but everything fell apart on race-day.
“I messed up my nutrition completely, so on race day I wasn’t able to eat or drink anything,” he said.
Though Kenneth had a lot of setbacks and challenges to contend with, he admits it was one of the most amazing days of his life.
“It was a very special day,” Kenneth said.
“Knowing all three generations ran for Germiston Callies Harriers and running past the wall where my grandfather’s and father’s green numbers are was amazing.
“It was a life-changing event and something I will definitely do again.”
Kenneth was supported through his preparation and the race by his family.
“I can’t put into words how proud I am of Kenneth,” said Richard.
“At the three-quarter mark he was behind the cut-off time, and as an experienced Comrades runner I can tell you what he did in the final leg of the race was a small miracle.
“It was just awesome and incredible.”
Mom Lee, who has also run the Comrades, was there to meet Kenneth at the finishing line.
“I had a special surprise in store for everyone when I ran into the finish,” explained Kenneth.
“I had a banner made with all of our race numbers and photos.”
Kenneth’s official finishing time for the race was 11 hours 28 minutes and 57 seconds.
“In the last kilometres of the race, my legs went into spasm and people I didn’t even know rushed to help me.
“The sense of camaraderie was amazing,” he said.
When asked what Derek thought of him completing the race, Kenneth said, “I have never seen my grandfather cry, and he cried.”
ALSO READ: Runners face the cold in honour of Fred Morrison
To runners thinking of tackling the historical race the family has some advice.
“What helped me through the race was the continuous training,” said Kenneth.
“The marathons before the event put strength into your legs that you don’t fully appreciate until you are at the race.
“Planning for the race is also vital to getting you through.
“And finally, do not underestimate the power of your mind. If you condition your mind you can do amazing things.”
Richard advised, “Respect the distance and train as the Comrades is not a joke or a fun run.
“And most importantly, enjoy the ride.
“Do it because you want to and do it because you enjoy it.”
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Also follow us on:
