Comrades trio aim to leave legacy behind
Runners geared up for Comrades
Horison — Roodepoort Athletics Club’s Dale Rynhoud will be lining up at the start of the Old Mutual Comrades Marathon for the 28th time. Participating in the Comrades Marathon started as a challenge from his Army superior in exchange for a week off. The year was 1987 and with no experience, training or second thoughts, Dale entered his first Comrades.
“I was just 18 at the time and boy, was my body sore after that. All I wanted was a week off and I did not care what I had to do to get it. So I finished my first race and I was possibly one of the youngest at the time,” he said.
Although Dale is no stranger to running, having participated in athletic sports since the age of 10, the Comrades bug bit him and he eventually branched off to participate in various other running events around the country.
“I am not aiming to reach 30 Comrades Marathons, but I would love to. But the knees and ankles are starting to complain so I don’t know how long I can do it for. Maybe after reaching 30 I’ll take it easy and see what happens,” he said.
Anita Botha and Johan Breydenbach will also be at the start line of the Comrades Marathon. They will be competing at the race for the 25th time.
Johan first participated in the marathon in 1985, seeing it as a one-time challenge. Little did he know that he would be back again and again to challenge one of the toughest ultra-marathons in the world.
“The camaraderie and the people you meet on the road as you run make it all worth it. That is why I still do it ever year.”
Johan plans to take a hiatus from the Comrades once he reaches 33 entries as this number is significant to him.
“That year, the Comrades will be turning 100 years old so what better time for me to hang up my running boots. However, running is what I love and only my body knows when it has had enough. Once I get to that point, I will naturally take a step back,” said Johan.
Anita will be competing in her 25th consecutive Comrades and cannot wait to hit the road with her fellow runners. She is no stranger to running and has had immense success, participating in six 100-Milers and once becoming a women’s winner. She has also competed in three 6-Day Circuit races, one of which she won, breaking the record, and one when she finished as runner-up. Anita has also competed in the Two Oceans Marathon 16 times.
“For me it is a challenge and I will go on as long as my health still permits. I will scale back on most events I participate in but the one I can’t do that in is the Comrades, it’s just too special,” she said.
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