Duo takes on double run

TWO Highway Comrades Marathon runners will be attempting a double race with the aim to raise funds for Embo’s Philakade Home Care. Craig Bond and Guy Allen will both be taking part in their seventh Comrades Marathon race and attempting a double run this time.

Bond is a Westville resident who has completed six Comrades Marathon races in the past with three silver medals and three Bill Rowan medals. Allen has also completed six Comrades Marathon races with two silver medals, two Bill Rowan medals and a bronze medal.
Speaking on their choice of running for Philakade, the duo said they chose the home after thinking about which charity suited the both of them best.

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“We also looked for a charity that was open to us buying tangible, specific things for them as opposed to one that just needed money.

“Philakade were upfront and open about what they were after, and we felt that we could really help them. The fact that they are amazing and are really helping out the people in their care is a bonus,” they said.

To make it extra special, the duo will run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, then from Durban back to Pietermaritzburg.

“We had pondered a route for a few months, thinking that a trail run the day before would be different and less taxing on the body. However, once we dug into options, we realised that safety was going to be a problem.

“To get the distance we needed, we would have to travel through lots of districts, farms, locations and peoples’ gardens to finish. Coupled with wanting to finish reasonably close to home so that we wouldn’t have to drive for a long time afterwards made that option a no-go.

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“Then Craig thought that doing the iconic Comrades route in reverse was a good idea, and that is how we decided on the route. Then we sleep for a few hours, lace up the shoes again and join the 20 000 other hopefuls running from Durban to Pietermaritzburg,” Allen said.

Bond and Allen said their level of excitement is massive as they are approaching the day of the race.
“The donations are coming in nicely, and thankfully, the training is coming to an end. That part of it has been reasonably tedious.

“We are very excited to lace up on Saturday morning and get this thing going,” they said.
The public is invited to support the duo on their journey of making a difference.

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