2022ComradesMarathon: Krugersdorp athletes dig deep

Krugersdorp was well represented at this year’s Comrades Marathon with a total of 74 athletes from four different clubs taking part. Only 53, however, managed to finish which underlines why the 2022 edition was regarded as one of the most gruelling ever.

Krugersdorp Road Runners with 33 had the most Comrades athletes, followed by Mogale Citizens Athletics Club with 17, Run Zone West Rand with 13, and Khosa Road Runners 11. Krugersdorp Road Runners also had the most finishers with 20, followed by Mogale Citizens Athletics Club with 15, Run Zone West Rand’s 11 and Khosa Road Runners’ seven.

While it is considered a remarkable feat just to finish the race, the following local men had the fastest times, namely Naledi Kevin Kutumelo with a time of 7 hours, 9 minutes and 6 seconds (Krugersdorp Road Runners) and Putsoane Mashita with a time of 8 hours, 10 minutes and 5 seconds (Mogale Citizens Runners). Jessica Aylward from Run Zone West Rand was the quickest local woman to cross the finish line with a time of 8 hours, 46 minutes and 25 seconds.

The oldest club members to compete were Run Zone West Rand’s Allan Coulter aged 65, and Mogale Citizens AC’s Joe Makuwa. The youngest local runners were Run Zone’s Jessica Aylward aged 23 as well as Mogale Citizens AC’s Ofentse Molomo aged 31.

Asked why this year’s Ultimate Human Race was considered to be one of the most gruelling in years, Khosa Sports Club chairperson Melanie Atkinson said the pandemic clearly played a role.

Athletes had less training leading up to race day. People couldn’t prepare as they normally would during the pandemic as there was no Comrades to train for. Also, having to train through winter after the Comrades date was moved to August also played a role,” she told the News.

Jessica said despite the challenges it was all worth it.

“At times the down was just too steep and the cramps did not stop; however, with the support on and off the road and the love and passion for running it is impossible to stop going, you just keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep pushing forward.

Something that really kept me going for 90km was all the support and love from my mom, knowing that I am doing this for myself and that she supports me 100%.

“And then the supporters’ comments, such as ‘you are still looking very strong, you are running very comfortably, girl power, go fetch your medal’ were really the best motivation one could ask for on such a long day. I could not stop smiling.”

While many do it for charity and others for personal reasons, Jessica did it for her late gran.

“It is an absolute amazing experience one can’t put into words. For me it was a dream come true, a race I’ve been dreaming of doing since I was 13 years old.

Doing it in honour of my gran who passed away last year during Covid made it just so much more special due to the fact that we all faced the pandemic and lost a lot during that time. It was great to be able to run again and to show that we are strong and capable of so much more.”

WHAT OTHER RUNNERS HAD TO SAY:

Riaan Maree: “We had to train in the dark and cold during winter so discipline and commitment were very important. Almost there is the biggest lie! You run together and chat about things, but afterwards you do not know what conversations you had. Then your words are depleted. It is only you; nobody can help, not even the kind words. You have to dig deep and get yourself going forward. In that moment you truly realise how strong you are.”

Pierre du Toit: “It was truly something you can’t explain unless you experience it yourself. I’ll never forget the support from the crowd, the emotional start and of course the phenomenal finish. As hard as it got, especially for a novice, I just refused to give up.

Many have forgotten how tough and painful it is to run Comrades. For two years there was no Comrades so our bodies were not used to competing in such a major event.

“It was exciting to run the Comrades after two years. It was so emotional and joyful to see so many runners on the start lines.”