Running coach shrugs off failure to finish 100-mile Addo Elephant Trail Run

Local running coach, Corné van Zyl (32) couldn’t complete the 100-mile Addo Elephant Trail Run but doesn’t consider this a failure.

The Honeydew resident took on the 161.2km Eastern Cape run on 10 to12 March and has now discussed his incredible journey, and the injury that led to him missing a cut-off time by half-an-hour.

“My story is not one of race victory but… pushing boundaries, overcoming challenges and taking on an unpredictable situation and turning it into a magical experience,” he said.

Also watch: Runner prepares for 100-mile Addo

Van Zyl has completed five ultra-marathons and seven marathons, including two Comrades Marathons and two Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathons.

The Addo would have been his longest and most difficult run with a cut-off time of 37 hours.

He had struggled with a six-week shin injury going into the race.

“Around 20km into the race, I was nicely settled, feeling good and strong,” said Van Zyl.

He formed a friendship with fellow runner, Ray Cranston, and they ran together, sharing life stories along the way.

“As Saturday morning drew, we approached the 50km mark. At this point, I hurt my ankles, which impacted on my ability to run effectively.”

They decided they would ‘power-hike’ through the bush with Van Zyl having put ice on his ankles.

“I was about three hours behind. I knew I had to put in an effort to make the next cut-off point of 131km at 7pm on Saturday.”

But he struggled to speed up.

Van Zyl passed the next medical check and persevered through the 17km section, the Valley of Tears, as the two runners water started running out in 40°C heat.

Here, Cranston called it a day. Van Zyl soldiered on, but the technically difficult terrain hurt his swollen ankles further.

“I also ran out of water and was extremely slow. It was unlikely I would make the cutoff. I chose to enjoy the hike in the beautiful mountain. Travelling through the single-track bush under a full moon was a magical experience as it was just me and nature.”

Van Zyl arrived at the CP13 checkpoint at 7.30pm and was cut from the race.

“This was an amazing experience for me, as I pushed through extreme pain to reach the point that I did. Yes, the traditional 100-miler finishers’ buckle would have been an awesome reward but the ability to push my physical, mental and spiritual boundaries were more valuable.”

He said he would be back next year to ‘tackle unfinished business’.

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