Elite Comrades athletes limber up ahead of gruelling up-run

If what was said by the elite athletes during the Comrades Marathon media briefing on Thursday in Durban is anything to go by, the race’s passionate followers are in for a tightly contested race, dominated by surprises and heartbreak.

It must be noted that the majority of runners played it cool and calm when asked about their preparations and displayed respect for each other.

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The multiple Comrades-winning, top 10 favourite and Bulwer-born Bongmusa Mthembu said the only race that runs seriously annually is the Comrades Marathon and he always gives it his all during the race.

He said although some young athletes may think he is now “over the hill”, he can still compete against the best.

The Comrades Marathon is everything to me, and every year I only train for this race.

“The race changed a lot of us, our lives are no longer the same and that’s why I always try my best to run the best race on the big day.

“I trained hard and my training camp was in Lesotho for seven weeks. I can assure you that I will have a good race because I did everything that is needed by a runner training for this race.

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“We may chase time but I just want to be in the good position and to win it will be a bonus,” said Mthembu.

The defending champion of the up-run Piet Wiersma indicated that his training camp was in Kenya and he also trained specifically for the annual ultra-marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

Wiersma also said his training was almost disturbed by challenges that always “crop” up at this time of the year.

I am glad that I was able to overcome those challenges. I am aware that I won the last up-run but that does not make me untouchable or a so-called defending champion.

“All these runners trained very hard and are capable of springing a surprise on Sunday.

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“So you may say that we are likely to watch or monitor each other during the race and the best athletes on the day will take it,” said Wiersma.

The queen of South African road running, a most loved athlete and defending champion Gerda Steyn said to be at the start and to be able to run the race is an honour and a great privilege.

She said, when running, she always tries to do the best in order to achieve the best results.

As usual I will be going to have the best race because just to be part of it is an honour and I always feel that I am doing it for the whole country because of the support I get on the road.

“So, on Sunday, I will try and run the best race that I can to achieve the best results,” said Steyn.