Eldos athlete celebrated for Comrades victory

Coach Quinton DeJager from Eldorado Park was highly praised by supporters and runner, Clint Langson for successfully guiding him to success in the Comrades Marathon race.

Langson won a Vic Clapman medal after he crossed the finish line at 11 hours 30 munities marking his first ever personal record time in the prestigious Comrades race.

He said completing in the race was a tremendous experience and he looks forward to his second one next year.

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“Achieving this took hard work and commitment from both DeJager and I. I really appreciate him for taking time to help me,” said Langson.

“He was with me from the start in training, when I had to race he was there, he often called to check how far I was. Every cut-off was emotional, my family also came to support me,” he said.

DeJager was born in Old Eldorado, he studied at Parkdale primary, Goudpark primary and Delrado primary.

He began running while he was a learner at Eldorado High School, where gained experience from his coaches.

He later became one of the top Comrades runners in the area, he obtain colours for what was then known as the Transvaal medal.

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After completing high school in 1978, he decided to plough back to the community; he began coaching at Crescent Secondary School.

DeJager said he was proud of Langson because he showed determination and commitment during training.

As Langson celebrates his triumph in the Comrades race, it is essential to recognise the instrumental role played by coach DeJager in this remarkable achievement.

Their partnership serves as a shining example of the power of mentorship, dedication, and teamwork in the world of sports.

“You must understand that Langson is not a long distance runner but he is a sprinter, it was difficult for him as a sprinter.

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“I had to find a way to take a sprinter from doing everything fast to having patience and running slower and competing against distance,” said DeJager.

He said last year Langson was among runners that were cut-off in what he alleged as an illegal cut-off point by Comrades Marathon Association.

“We started training at the stadium, on his speed work. I left him to go out on his long runs for endurance on his own.

“I did not monitor him, but I monitored his track work and his speed work at the stadium. He completed the race as a happy champion.”

He told Urban News that Eldoroda Park has many Comrades runners and he has availed himself to coach and advice anyone for free.

Future plans
Langson and his coach have started training at Eldorado Park Stadium to prepare for next year’s ultimate human race.

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DeJager said their target is to complete the race in less than 10 hours, adding that Langson has committed to work towards their goal.

Comrade runners who need coaching assistance may contact coach DeJager on 078 676 4137.