All Runners are Equal
Running is a great leveller. It's a place where everyone faces their own physical and mental challenges and where anyone can thrive.
I took part in the Balwin Sport Jeppe 10km race with my older brother, Adam. I'm glad I chose the 10k race over the half marathon because I totally underestimated running at 5,700ft above sea level and the African heat – I also wasn’t quite ready for a half!
The race was due to start at 06:00 and, as luck would have it, it was a cloudy morning! Before we set off, we bumped into runners who knew my Mom and Step-Dad. After being introduced to one of my Mom's former running partners, Anthony, he asked me "So, when are you going to run Comrades?" I met this with a long pause as I considered his question, knowing I should answer carefully so not to over-commit but, I was too late… my pause was met with a "well, that's not a no then!".
Road running is huge in South Africa and the Comrades Marathon is considered an obtainable rite of passage for most. A 87km race with a brutal 12-hour cut off - alternating between an up and downhill route each year. Despite the challenge, it’s often not a ‘one in lifetime’ experience. Runners return year-on year because, deep down, people know that with dedication, it can be conquered. It's not considered a super-human feat but rather one that's possible to the majority of runners who set their mind to it. It's a race where all runners become equal.
This is my Mum and Step-Dad boasting their 'Green Numbers' for completing the Comrades 10 times each. My stepfather was awarded his after his 12th attempt and in his 69th birthday year and my mother has completed it 13 times. Running is a great equaliser.
Like all road races, we set off amongst a sea of runners but with a kind, downhill start. But, just as Johannesburg is notoriously volatile, so is the landscape and there were a few larger, longer hills waiting. In an attempt to mitigate the African heat, refreshment tables are plentiful, even on a 10km route and boasting an array of liquids and snacks including water, coke, sports drinks, a traditional African soured-milk drink and salted potatoes. Tables are supported by hundreds of lively volunteers making for a uniquely African experience and complete with the odd child armed with a large water pistol, waiting to drench their unsuspecting targets.
The sun rises quickly in Africa and we headed on, now in full light and towards Johannesburg’s skyscrapers in the distance. Johannesburg is the ‘city of gold’ – rich in natural minerals and one of African’s biggest economic powerhouses where many travelled to, and settled, to make their fortune or to work on the mines in 1886 after the discovery of gold. This created one of Africa’s largest cultural melting pots with workers from all Southern Africa, India, China and Europe! It is this diversity and heritage that’s celebrated today and, despite our troubles, we are secure in the knowledge that it’s a minority who seek to divide or commit crime. My 14-year absence showed me the many positive changes (and some negative too) and that most people embrace this wonderful diversity, are just trying to get on, support their families and want the best for South Africa.
Halfway through, Adam commented "if you had told me we'd be running together ten years ago, I would have laughed." I agreed. In hindsight, I wondered if he thought the idea of ME running was the amusing part!
Adam is training for his 3rd Comrades Marathon and will be sporting our FTRC kit when training. Below is a picture of him training during our visit to Dinokeng Game Reserve. He was braver than me. I didn't quite know whether to believe the game reserve ranger who said our compound was, in fact, safe from predators but as luck would have it, Adam wasn't mauled by a lion or cheetah.
Although a short 10km race, it was immensely meaningful to me. I was running on African soil, together with my brother who I’ve not seen in 12 years and alongside fellow South Africans.
If you’re looking for an authentic African marathon, why not try the Skukuza Half Marathon where you get to run in the Kruger National Park? Or, consider taking on the Comrades Marathon?
This race report was kindly written by FTRC club member Charlotte Bradford.