Almost 100 runners from Roodepoort Athletics Club will be lining up at the start line of the Old Mutual Comrades Marathon in June.
Koos Hutchons and Kobus Botha will be joining their club-mates at the ultra marathon for the very first time.
Kobus started running four years ago. Two years later, he decided to tackle the Comrades but did not qualify.
“That disappointment made me work harder and ensure I qualify this time round after making the decision. I’ve always wanted my first Comrades experience to be the up run which is more challenging than the down run. Next year , I’ll do the down run, then its no more after that,” he said. The 42 year old has been getting advice from club-mates who have plenty of experience competing in the ultra marathon.
“I am just looking forward to that finish line because I have been working hard preparing myself for what’s to come. Physically I will be ready with the help and support of the guys on the road,” he said.
Confident Koos cannot wait to take on what he describes as the ultimate race. The 32 year old started running just two years ago and is looking forward to the start and the finish.
“I am also looking forward to that ice-cold beer I will get on the way to the finish line. My fiancée participated in the race last year, but she is giving me no tips. She says I must figure it out myself,” he said.
With his experience as a rugby player, Koos believes he will be mentally tough and that now it’s a matter of getting the physical side ready.
“I unfortunately got injured but I am on track and will be ready for Comrades. I am just grateful to my fiancée Kim for all her support and the Roodies second steam,” he said.
This year’s Old Mutual Comrades Marathon will be an up run, starting at the City Hall in Durban and finishing at the Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg. The race distance is approximately 88 km.
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