The Venda Athletics Club held a Comrades Marathon preparation training run on Sunday morning to help its members get ready for the gruelling ultra-marathon, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 8 June.
Led by well-known medical doctor and long-distance runner Dr Khathutshelo Ramalata, the athletes completed a 70km route that started at Tshandama Makhithani. They ran to Muswodi Dipeni village, 35km away, before turning around and heading back to the starting point.
The winner of Sunday's preparation run was veteran long-distance runner Mushoni Nyamande. A seasoned competitor, Nyamande has taken part in the Comrades 18 times and boasts eight silver medals.
When asked whether he was ready for this year's race, Nyamande said he had been training for the Comrades over the past four months but still needed to take part in a few shorter races to complete his preparation.
He said training for a marathon demanded immense sacrifice and discipline. "When I prepare for the Comrades, I run 20 kilometres three days a week, and 50 kilometres every Saturday. It is not easy to run a marathon. You have to work very hard," he said.
He also thanked Dr Ramalata for organising and sponsoring the run. "It was a very good preparation for the Comrades Marathon," he said, adding that he was confident of producing his best time yet this year.
Dr Ramalata said that despite his demanding career as a medical practitioner, he trained consistently throughout the year to prepare for different races. "I encourage all people to exercise regularly, to avoid junk food, and to look after their health. This year, I will be participating in my eighth Comrades Marathon, and I do this solely for my health," he said.