It is a tale etched in South African athletics folklore. One-hundred-and-two-years ago, an ultramarathon was born to celebrate comradery and the indomitable human spirit in the wake of the devastation caused by the First World War.
It is an 87701 km odyssey of pain and perseverance. It is the Comrades Marathon. It again starts at dawn and ends at dusk on Sunday, 11 June and it is a showcase for the best the North-West University (NWU) has to offer.
Last year saw Dr Adele Broodryk, a senior lecturer at the NWU’s School for Human Movement Sciences, claim the overall third place at the Comrades and finishing first among South African women.
Then there is Tete Dijana, who was the overall men’s winner with a time of 05:30:38. Tete is employed by Mi7 – which is an external security service provider to the NWU – and is a familiar face when on duty at the Mahikeng Campus.
“It is still surreal to think about it,” says Adele about her stellar debut performance at the 95th edition of the event.
“There is an even stronger field this year, so one of my main focusses will be on bettering my time. The race is 2,7km shorter this year, so we all should have better times, but I want to improve on my average pace of four minutes 15 seconds per kilometre,” she explains her goals for the journey from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
Although she’ll be firmly in the spotlight, she feels another runner will hog the limelight.
“There is definitely some pressure as I made a name for myself last year, but I think all eyes will be on Gerda Steyn to see if she can break the Comrades record.”
The current record holder is Frith van der Merwe with a time of 5:54:43 which she set in 1988. Steyn missed last year’s race due to running the Boston Marathon.
“Controlling myself will be my biggest challenge. You are still fresh when you are at the starting line, and I tend to be too quick out of the blocks. I need to pace myself and stick to my coach’s running strategy.”
She is also full of praise for her support base: “I want to thank everyone who has walked this road with me. My director, Prof Hans de Ridder, has been so accommodating. I also couldn’t have succeeded if it wasn’t for my family and friends. It isn’t always smooth sailing to perform at this level for the people around you. There is a lot of aid behind the scenes, from helping with injuries to looking after children. For that and so much more, I am grateful.”
As for Tete, he again underlined the resolve that has seen him reach the top echelons of this most taxing of sports when he posted on social media: “During your struggle never forget those who were there for you. Never be ashamed to tell what you went through before your achievements.”
Now, those are words to live by.
*The North-West University would like to wish Adele and Tete, as well as all our NWU athletes that are representing their various clubs, the best of luck. Your commitment and determination are nothing short of inspirational. Then, to the 17 920 runners who will be competing at the 96th Comrades Marathon, to every spectator who will be urging the athletes on and to all those who will be assisting the athletes and the event in their various capacities, the NWU would like to commend you on again showing the fellowship that binds us together when we pursue our dreams.
Tete Dijana, Prof Bismark Tyobeka and Dr Adele Broodryk
