Comrades veteran shares fond memories

Springs resident Karin Smith competed in her 24th Comrades Marathon this year.

Smith competed in the Grandmasters category of the marathon for persons 60 years or older, and also received the Robert Mtshlali medal for completing the marathon in less than 10 hours.

The Addie held a phone interview with Smith and she was very keen on answering our questions

How was the race?

It went very well. It was a wonderful race. I ran with my son, Jacques, and I also won the Robert Mtshali medal for finishing the marathon in less than 10 hours.

When did you compete in your first Comrades Marathon?

My first marathon was all the way back in 1991.

What is your fondest memory of the Comrades thus far?

My fondest memory was completing my 20th marathon in 2013 with my husband David Smith.

I have had many ups and downs with the Comrades.

It’s a very tough and emotional race, but the best times have been when I was running with my husband.

How do you prepare for the Comrades?

Well, I’m part of the Strides Athletic Club and we regularly run together.

We get up at 5am and go running together.

You have to qualify to compete in the Comrades as not just anybody can compete in it.

How have you kept so fit all these years?

I come from a sporty family.

We run all the time and we do a lot of cycling.

It’s also just a lifestyle of keeping fit and exercising.

Do you have a message for anybody considering competing in the Comrades in the future?

I would say just remain healthy.

You also have to be a goal-orientated person and you need to very dedicated.

A Comrades Marathon is like a life journey. It has many ups and downs, but you must just ensure that you enjoy it as much as you can.

Smith says she is also very grateful of her son, Jaques, and daughter, Sransli, for running with her and supporting her.

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Striders Athletic Club and Springs Platinum Refinery Athletic Club compete in Comrades Marathon