Rufus Photo bags fifth place at Comrades
This year was the third time Rufus Photo finished in fifth spot, having achieved the same feat in 2014 and 2016 and thanked the people of Limpopo for their support.
POLOKWANE- Despite completing the 2023 Comrades Marathon in fifth spot and walking away with a gold medal and R90 000 in prize money, veteran runner Rufus Photo believes he still has enough mileage in his legs to win the marathon next year.
The 43-year-old veteran won the 40+ category and bagged fifth overall spot in the ultramarathon, in a time of 05:22 on Sunday.
He says he needs to improve on his conditioning and training regime in order to contest with the best.
“The difference between us and those who finished in the top three, is their training. They train in high altitudes whereas I train in Moletjie. They have an advantage because as the high altitude training improves their endurance, and increases their aerobic capacity. I wanted to prepare for the marathon in Haenertsburg in Tzaneen but the roads are not conducive for training. I will come up with a better training plan next year.”
This year was the third time he finished in fifth spot, having achieved the same feat in 2014 and 2016.
Photo said he will invest his prize money for his family.
“I am not employed and rely on running for an income. The best option is to save and invest the money. I want to thank the people of Limpopo for their support and my sponsors for travelling this journey with me.”
