Local runners do well at Comrades

Local runners return home from the Comrades Marathon with medals.

This year was the first time Linden Runner (www.lindenrunner.co.za) Running Club sent runners to the famous Comrades Marathon which was held on 9 June. The weeks of preparation, training, support and prayer showed that it was all worth it as the club’s Anli Grobler and Patrick Wysoczarski returned home victorious. Both runners received the prestigious Bill Rowan medal as they completed the mammoth marathon race between 7.30 and 9 hours. In addition to this, they both ran their personal best times at the 96th edition of the race.

Grobler, who took an 11-year break from the race, said her preparation was key to her performance. “This year, my preparation was a lot more focused. Training with the Linden Runner morning group, my coach Barry Maitland-Steward’s input, and my own experience with Comrades was a few of the contributing factors to this year’s success.”

Wysoczarski explained how the Linden and Northcliff region helped them with their training. “All our hill repeat training in the mornings and running up to Northcliff tower with the group really helped prepare me for the up-run. I’ve never felt this strong on climbs. We have a massive advantage in Linden based on our altitude and the variety of run courses we can choose from.”

Estie van Heerden, club chairman, shared the joy of the club with the results of their runners.”This was the first time Linden Runner was represented at Comrades. Watching our shirts crossing the finish line was one of the proudest moments in the sport for me. We followed a programme that we hoped would benefit all our runners doing longer distances like the Two Oceans Marathon and Comrades, and the results exceeded all expectations.”

Both Grobler and Wysoczarski said it was a little early to confirm their participation in 2020, but stated that Comrades is possible for any athlete wanting to run the ultimate people’s race. Grobler said, “Preparation is vital, you need to at least start your preparation in December and get 1 000km on your legs before the race. Running with a group and a club who follows a training programme makes a big difference. It’s safe and you share mutual goals with fellow runners.”

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Well wishes for the Linden Runner team heading to the Comrades Marathon