WHEN the gun is fired signalling the start of what is arguably the world’s greatest ultra-marathon, it is never just about the gruelling physical challenge.
For the almost 90km journey that ensues, the mental race kicks into gear, new friendships are formed instantaneously, camaraderie is fostered among runners and the playing fields are level for all.
This is the drawcard that attracts thousands of runners globally to the legendary race, including the Zululand Observer’s very own Sub-Editor and 11 times Comrades runner, Trish Winterboer.
‘So many people are pushing their body to the limit. It is an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, shapes, sizes and nationalities, all with the same goal of completing the race.’
But for Trish, who has now decided to gracefully bow out of the ultimate marathon, the Comrades is an experience that has both enriched and changed her life forever.
Running her first Comrades in 2005 during the 80th anniversary of the race, she was in awe of the magnificent sunrise as she descended Polly Shortts.
But this picturesque setting also set the scene for her funniest and most embarrassing run – having to complete the Comrades with poo on her shoe after unknowingly standing in the muck after a quick toilet break.
Way of life
During the next 10 years she kept coming back because it became an annual life goal. From daily 10km runs and longer routes during weekends to marathons, Trish’s hard work and disciplined lifestyle soon transformed her social running into a competitive sport.
One of the highlights of her career was running with her daughter in the 2008 up run and over the decade she had the privilege of meeting countless international and local runners.
‘The spectators who shout out your name whenever they recognise you gives you the encouragement you need to continue the race.’
Her greatest challenge however was when she had to mentally overcome her own insecurities to complete a down run in her slowest sub 12-hour finish.
‘I remember feeling claustrophobic at the start and I battled along the way.
At Hillcrest, I phoned my husband Bruce and told him to fetch me. He told me he had a good parking spot outside the stadium in Durban and he would see me at the finish.
For the next 6km, I cried because no one loved me. Friends along the route refused to give me a lift to Durban. When I saw the sub 12-hour ‘bus’ coming through, I fortunately spotted a friend in the crowd of runners and we both helped each other to the end.’
Her best down run Comrades was a sub 10-hour finish where with 15km to go, she ran her fastest and felt as ‘strong as a horse’ sprinting into the stadium.
But whether she’s ready to hang up her Comrades shoes remains to seen.
‘I will only run the Comrades again if any of my children would like to take on the challenge, but I would love to help or mentor someone else to complete this great race.’
Trish’s Comrades accessories:
Handkerchief
Packet with toilet paper
Rehydrate and other race ‘food’
R20 for a phone call or ice-cream
Two pain tablets
Comrades habits
‘I talk a lot when I run. The more I talk the faster I run.’
Most memorable running moment
‘This year, in among 22 000 people, seeing and running with a childhood friend Merle Cass, who I haven’t seen in 30 years. An amazing surprise and coincidence.’
