Bluff runner ready to take on 20th Comrades Marathon
Dennis George Houston Mcmillan has been training since January in preparation for the oldest ultra-marathon.
WITH the oldest ultra-marathon just over a month away, The Bluff runner, Dennis George Houston Mcmillan, is excited to take on his 20th Comrades Marathon.
The world-famous, almost 90km race, which will be in its 96th edition and the 48th ‘down run’, is scheduled to take place on June 11.
This year, the race will start at the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg and finish at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.
Mcmillan, 52, of Fynnland, said he was looking forward to the day.
“It is always a great experience, especially with the support from my family and friends on the side of the road, as well as the support from other runners. It keeps me motivated and I cannot wait to get out there on the road again,” he said.
Mcmillan, an engineering manager, said his passion for running started in primary school.
“I was always first in all my races in Grade 7. In 1992, when I did national service, I joined the army running club and ran my first 25km road race that same year.
“However, in 2000, I supported a family member on Comrades day, and decided that the next year I was going to run the marathon, which I did. I have not looked back since,” he said.
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Mcmillan, who is a member of the Bluff Athletic Club, said he has been training for the marathon since January.
“I train five days a week, from late afternoons during to week, to early mornings over the weekend. There are just so many benefits from running as it makes you feel good, keeps you fit, healthy and hopefully looking good too,” he said.
The father of two, said his highlight of the marathon is to finish.
“Every year is a different experience, but to finish is absolutely amazing. While there a lot of challenges along the way, I believe one needs to and can overcome them with the power of the mind,”
he said.
Mcmillan said his goal is to run at least another 10 marathons.
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