Randmark runners join the Comrades!
"This year there were 25 000 entries, but only 21 000 qualified to take part in this ultimate race of cameraderie," said Lizeth.
It’s time for this year’s Comrades Marathon, and Randmark Cycling and Running Club will be well represented come 10 June.
The Herald met with the club organiser on Thursday night, 31 May, when it was confirmed that 12 runners will be participating.
Karin Bezuidenhout, 52, a representative for Randmark, said this year will be the toughest yet as runners will take on a 90,1km race. She is running for the first time, and is very nervous, but in very good shape.
Another first time runner is Yolandi Botha, 28, from Middelvlei. She said she has done everything possible to prepare well for the marathon.
Lorinda Engelbrecht is running her second Comrades, but not with injuries like those she had last time around. She said, “The last part is always the toughest.”
Charlene Beukman, 37, is doing her fifth Comrades race, while Lizeth Rowan, 40, is doing her fourth. Karin said they train right through the year, but others only train one or two months before the marathon.
“This year there were 25 000 entries, 21 000 of which actually qualified to take part in the ultimate race of camaraderie,” said Lizeth.
Eddie Wahl, 53, also from Randmark, is doing his 19th race this year. He and Daniel Willemse are the runners with most runs under their belts, while Karin and Yolandi are complete novices.
The colours of the club are red and green, and new kit was made for them all by a sports clothing store. The runners’ ages range from 28 to 65 years, and although 14 runners of the club originally qualified to take part, two unfortunately had to withdraw, due to injuries.
The names are Daniel Willemse, Floris du Plooy, Naledi Kutumela, Yolandi Botha, Thabo Molefe, Lorinda Engelbrecht, Karin Bezuidenhout, Edward Wahl, Lizeth Rowan, Almon Zibuse, Christo Schoeman, Charlene Beukman, Obed Motjale and Michael Moloi.
Randfonteiners are proud of these runners, and will be glued to their televisions on Sunday. Good luck, Randmark!
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