About 15 000 people participated in this year’s gruelling Comrades Marathon, factors beyond the realms of human nature prevented more than 1 500 from completing it. Many local runners were also hard hit by the steep downhills in this year’s down run. Lenasia Athletics Club runners found the going tough, but their preparation for the race made them resilient.
Here are some of the experiences of the runners in their own words…
Amit Morar: My Comrades 2022 journey has been a tough but yet another super achievement. The down run was quite challenging, but there were loads of support along the way from the start to the end. I’m super proud to have finished Sub 11 and achieved my bronze medal.
Jabbar Schroeder: A novice to the down run, I was nervous and anxious about what to expect. I had a race plan, stuck to it, and enjoyed every kilometre of the race. The camaraderie on the road was phenomenal. There was no shortage of support from fellow runners and supporters along the route. See you all again in 2023.
Mayur Chagan: This year’s Comrades was a really special one, not just because we were back after two years, but because I was going for my back-to-back medal. The 8-month build-up was tough and required a lot of mental and physical strength, especially training through the midst of winter. Congratulations to all who completed the marathon.
Pradeep Gowan: Yes I did it! I ran 90km, completed my 10th Comrades Marathon, and received my permanent ‘Green Number’. What a brutal, but incredible and unforgettable experience. The start is electrifying, the route is relentless and unforgiving, the support is overwhelming, and crossing the finish line is combination of emotions and pure ecstasy! Yes, it was tough out there. Yes, there were times that I struggled, but I was mentally strong and ecstatic to see myself run to the finish in a time of 10:57. I loved every minute, every step, because I worked hard to be there.
Ahmed Mia:- I am humbled to have completed my 21st Comrades marathon in a bronze-finishing time of 10h57min. The brutality of this foot race and the strength of mind and body that one needs to complete 90kms surpasses normal human comprehension. It is only through the Grace of the Almighty, the support and patience of family and loved ones during the many arduous months of training, and the steadying hands and supportive words of fellow runners and helpers en route that makes completing this race possible.
Chris Moonsamy: My first comrades was such a phenomenal experience – the music and the vibe at the start line give you goosebumps. When standing among thousands of runners, from elite to novices, only then do we really come to terms with the fact that it is possible. I thank LAC and others runners we meet on the training ground for their support and encouragement.
Calvin Mazibuko : Never give up, great things take time, and tough situations build strong people. You should take small steps and keep moving all the time.
Harshik Budhia: The mere thought of running a 90km race would completely terrify most people. However, for me, it’s an experience that teaches discipline, determination, and strength. Training for my now completed 10th Comrades Marathon was not an easy task. Nothing compares to the pure satisfaction of running past the finishing line. A feeling that I cannot put in words. Although I have now had the “Comrades” experience 10 times, I can shamelessly admit that the feeling is addictive, and the ‘Runner’s Ultimate Marathon’ will definitely see me next year.
Ismail Habbib: The Comrades will help you discover the strengths you never knew you had.
Moazz Casoo: This year was my first Comrades Marathon. I only decided to run the Comrades after qualifying in March in my first official race.
I have done a lot of training before the qualifying race in March. However, if one had to ask me about running the Comrades prior to March 2022, my response was always that I simply was not mad about doing such a long and difficult race.
One word of advice to any novice, be positive and always believe in yourself. Don’t listen to negative people creating doubt in your mind and trying to make you scared. If you don’t try, you will never know.
Naresh Nana: It was another successful year running the Comrades Marathon. It is my 32nd finish and I still feel there is ”unfinished business“ pending at the Comrades. One is always challenged by this marathon, and every year I come back to rise to this Herculean marathon. Keep moving!
Sheetal Kalian: Being a novice, I was nervous, but excited to participate in the Comrades Marathon 2022 down run. I feel that just getting to the Comrades starting line makes you a winner. It takes hard work, dedication, and months of training to prepare for this gruelling race. As a working mom, I had to keep to a strict and disciplined schedule to fit in training runs along with my other family and work responsibilities. The Comrades Marathon is a tough race, but anything is possible with determination, dedication, and hard work.
Sherina Desai For me the journey is one that builds one’s self believe ,it sheds you off old scales and gives one the zest to be pure in though and believe .Taking the steps on 28 August into cage E were certainly filled with fear and a deep pit in the tummy. Before the big moment ,I prayed for safety , protection and a comfortable finish. This race brings on the realisation that we are all equal , no monetary balance or profession grades you. I am certainly blessed to have had the opportunity to complete my 15 Comrades. Thanks to the All Mighty.
Finishers of Lenasia Athletic Club
The club had 20 entrants, of which 15 completed – 3 did not start, 2 did not finish.
- Harshik Budhia – 7H39min.07seconds
- Moazz Casoo 1 – 1.50.05
- Mayur Chauhan – 10.37.49
- Sherina Desai – 11.31.10
- Pradeep Gowan -10.57.26
- Ismail Habib -11.40.11
- Sheetal Kalian-11.20.15
- Yusuf Kahn-11.56.13
- Ratilal Magan-11.26.50
- Calvin Mazibuko-11.57.38
- Ahmed Mia-10.57.38
- 12.Chris Moonsamy-11.42.29
- Amit Morar -10.59.01
- Naresh Nana -11.12.32
15 Jabbar Schroeder-10.12.32
Next year’s Comrades Marathon will be a down run again. Runners are hoping that the race will be moved back to the traditional date in June.
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