11 Jun 2019

51 of the 66 brave, gallant and robust Batswana runners made it to the finish line after enduring 98km of the toughest and most challenging ultra-marathon in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on Sunday.

Following months of training, early hours and ditching an actual social life in favour of hitting the rock to rack up miles in preparation for the Comrades Marathon, the runners were in a serious challenge this year, as it was an up-run, which meant that they had to conquer the 1 800m elevation gain from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

Gaborone Striders cemented their running reputation as 34 of their team members elegantly strode to the finish line in some of the best times in their history, superb courses of 9:10:02 by Garth Armstrong in the men 40-49 age category and 9:14:14 clocked by Zuleikha Steinbach in the Women Open category.

Five runners from RunWidIt Running Cru, one from Orange BW Running Club, one from BDF Athletics Club, one from Fit2Run BW, two Batswana who run for South Africa’s Team Vitality and Paarl Athletics Club as well as eight, who registered as individuals also made it to the finish line.

Meanwhile, the South Africans Edward Mothibi and Gerda Steyn, dominated and finished first in the strenuous race. Mothibi, who finished fourth last year on debut, took top honours this year after coming in with a time of 5:31:33 and took home the R500 000 winner’s prize money.

Steyn, on the other hand, broke the record by becoming the first woman to run the up-run race in just under six hours with a time of 05:58:53. Her hefty payday comprised a first prize of R500 000 plus a R500 000 incentive for breaking the up-run record, in addition to the prize for the first South African, which was another R200 000.

It was a dream come true for some Batswana, who participated and reached the finish line.

Post-run, a host of obligatory snaps with finishing medals did the rounds. Here’s just a few snippets from the racers that will give you the feel. “And yes, we’re talking blisters, can’t walk, chafing vibes’.

Millie Makara ran her first Comrades in 2018 and came back this year as a novice for the Up-run, which she described as one of her toughest runs.

“It has taken months of sleep deprivation and strenuous training. After all, that it’s scary, yet humbling at the same time to know that we are in control of what happens on race day. All we can do is our very best.’

The tension, she said, overwhelmed her the moment she decided what it took to be on her feet for the 12 hours, though she was determined to reach the finish line.

“I had the mental strength to get to the finish, a willing heart whilst succumbing to the worst knee pain ever that intensified when doing down hills. Despite this, I pushed before the final 12^th hour cut-off. I received two medals on the day for Back to Back medal,” she said.

Prior to the marathon, Makara had trained with two local professional coaches, Chyna Mokaila, her personal trainer and a fitness coach with Township Rollers and the Zebras and Edward Joseph, a level 1 IAAF certified coach, who also specialises in long distance coaching.

South African Mark Wolff of 32Gi, who is an endurance, nutrition and physiology expert, drilled her as well.

Makara finished at a time of 11:03:44.

This year’s race was special for Trevor Matlakala as it marked a ‘back to back’ performance, that is having completed two Comrades Marathons successfully.

“Mentally, I am a natural believer and had targeted a Bill Rowan medal (finishing between 7hrs 30 minutes and 9 hours) but only managed 9hrs 46 minutes over the 87 kms.

I could say the race humbled me, but then to cut a whole hour from my last record is not an easy feat, so Comrades, you too were humbled and I will be back for more revenge,” Matlakala said.

Dobie Rankala, who clocked 11:50:13, came in as a novice and said the race would challenge, inspire and humble but mostly change an individual. “They say you never forget your first. And now I get it. You don’t run Comrades for the t-shirt and medal, though those are sweet perks.

You run to celebrate the spirit of brotherhood and humanity that unite people. Imagine 17 000+ runners from 73 countries all in pursuit of a common goal,’ he said.

Prior to the race in Durban, Thabo Simon had shared this with his Facebook friends.

“These legs may look skinny but they are very strong. I trust them, they have never let me down. My body is equally very strong. Only mind can let me down, in fact it has in many times. I hope that my mind stays sober and strong as I embark on my fourth Comrades marathon journey.”

He thanked his physical trainer, Brock Migayi for the good strength and high intensity cardio sessions in preparation for the race.

“Di saletse nna hela jaanong Bro,” he said.

Simon reached the finished line in 12:01:19.

What is Comrades Marathon?

It is the world’s largest and oldest ultra-marathon, which is run annually in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

The direction of the race alternates each year between the ‘up’ run (87 km) starting from Durban and the ‘down’ run (now 90.184 km) starting from Pietermaritzburg.

The qualifying criteria is to complete a standard 42.2km marathon in under 4 hours 50 minutes, or a 56km ultra marathon in under 6 hours 45 minutes.

This year, Comrades welcomed about 1 800 international runners with nearly 25 000 taking part. ENDS