Gerda Steyn claimed her fifth Comrades Marathon title in record time, setting a new Up Run record, in the race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
I had a disliking for the Comrades after my first experience of last year’s race. After Sunday’s race, I grew to despise it.
That may seem harsh after witnessing one of the greatest days in the history of the race. George Kusche produced a remarkable victory in the men’s race, while Gerda Steyn cemented her place among Comrades royalty with a fifth consecutive title.
Thousands lined the route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, turning the roads into one long celebration of South Africa’s most iconic ultra-marathon. For almost everyone involved, it was a memorable day. For me, it started at 3am.
It is difficult to trust any day that begins before sunrise, and the warning signs arrived early. My media accreditation wristband ended up on my left arm, forcing me to wear my watch on my right. It seemed insignificant at the time. In hindsight, it was probably the universe trying to tell me something.
