Douglas shares his passion for running
Douglas has been working at the Gateway School for more than three years and has been a resident of Princess for almost 20 years.
This year, Princess resident Douglas Dhliwayo (43) ran his sixth Comrades Marathon and was sponsored by the Gateway School where he works.
Douglas proudly carried a towel with the school’s emblem and name on it while running the marathon.
“It gives you a completely different energy knowing that someone on the sidelines is cheering you on,” Douglas exclaimed as he talked about the wonderful support he received from staff and learners at the school.
He ran his first Comrades Marathon in 2014 and has been back every year since, except for 2016 which he skipped.
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“I have always had a passion for running and run an average of 18km a day – and that is just me running to and from work,” he said as he motioned that his preferred route is Doreen Road and thus making it always a faster trip down to the school but slower with the steep uphill back home to Princess.
Douglas has been a part of the Rand Athletics Club since 2009 and joins them in training throughout the week.
“I also have a few exercise machines at home that I use to keep me fit when I am unable to run.”
Looking back at the ultramarathon, Douglas is feeling positive about his performance, “This year the marathon was easier than the previous years. I also believe I improved on my time.”
• Also read: Evan hardloop sy sesde Comrades, is nou reg vir nuwe uitdagings
He is the first in his family to complete the Comrades and when asked what his next goal is, he chuckled and said, “The 2024 registrations for the Comrades are open, I want to run again and keep pushing for a time of seven-and-a-half hours.”
Douglas also mentioned feeling hopeful after seeing the winner of the Comrades this year break the record time.
“This shows me that it is possible. That one day, if I work hard enough, I can be that person with the Comrades trophy.”
Douglas hopes to develop his sportsmanship in swimming and cycling as well. He explained that cycling is not something that he would be able to afford financially as the bicycles are expensive.
His advice to community members who want to take on the Comrades is, “Remove your fears and focus on the task at hand. Remember to build up your fitness and endurance and most importantly make sure your mindset is right. You could be halfway through and your body struggling, but with the right mindset and motivation you can push through mentally and get more energy.
“I want to encourage everyone in the community to run. Do it for yourself, for the energy you will get from exercising. Remember to eat and exercise every day, even if it is just a walk around the block,” Douglas concluded.
