For seven-time Comrades Marathon runner, James Campbell, it is the most rewarding race he has ever run. Here he shares 5 tips that runners should follow when preparing for the 2017 Comrades Marathon.
Comrades Marathon: behind the scenes
James explains: “There are eight starting blocks at the start of the marathon. “Before you can compete in the Comrades Marathon, you need to finish a 42 km race in under five hours. That is your qualifying race. The time it takes you to finish the qualifier will determine which block you start from. Blocks A to H are for seasoned runners and people who have competed in 10 or more Comrades Marathons. Block E is for normal, everyday people like you and me.”
He explains that before the race, the runners, along with the supporters, sing Shosholoza, followed by the national anthem.
Traditionally, a rooster crows before the gun goes off and then the race begins.
“There are 46 water stations along the road, each about 150 m long. Each station is equipped with beverages and toilet facilities. There are also designated areas along the route where runners can run through showers with sponges, like a car wash, to freshen up.
“Runners get hungry. Luckily there are three ton boiled potatoes, 800 kg bananas and 7,8 ton oranges distributed along the route so runners can keep their energy levels up. There are over 30 350 litres Coca-Cola, one million Energade sachets and two million water sachets spread across the different water stations.”
“The end is not what you expect it to be. There are things that look like cattle pens that you are pushed through.Then someone places a medal in your hand, a photo is taken and then you need to climb a number of stairs to get to a tent. Even though the climb is tough after you just ran 89 km, going up to the tent means you finished the race and that is still one of the best feelings I have ever experienced.”
