Bonitas Member Magazine 2018 - B-Living Issue 1 | Page 20

Asijiki - No turning back! Sunday, 10 June 2018, 20 000 runners will gather in the early hours of the morning in Pietermaritzburg for the start of the Bonitas Comrades Marathon. For those who have entered and qualified for South Africa’s most prestigious ultra-marathon, it will be the culmination of long hours on the road training for this big day. Once that gun is fired they will need strength, determination and guts to tackle the 89km ‘down-run’ to Durban to cross the finish line before the cut-off time at 5.30pm. The Comrades is a race that is known for pushing athletes to their limit, its camaraderie and contribution to charity. Major sponsor, Bonitas Medical Fund is again part of the supporting team Bonitas will ensure that pre-race, on the day and post-race assistance and guidance is given to the athletes striving to achieve their goals. Bonitas has been part of the Comrades ‘team’ for over a decade and an integral part of the medical aid scheme’s sponsorship includes the co-ordination and hosting of the countrywide Novice and Women’s seminars as well as the ‘general training’ Comrades roadshows. Page 19 These interactive seminars include tips and advice on training, rest, nutrition, hydration and pacing. Athletes are able to hear from, talk to and ask questions of a panel of experts from fields as diverse as sport psychology, medicine and dietetics. Official Comrades coach, Lindsey Parry, will also be on hand to provide invaluable advice about the route, the psychology of the race and what to expect at the start and finish. Celebrating ordinary people doing extraordinary things ‘Completing a Comrades Marathon is an achievement and we support and champion these athletes,’ says Gerhard van Emmenis, Principal Officer of Bonitas. ‘As a South African company that promotes quality healthcare the fit with this ultra-marathon is a good one. It gives us the opportunity to talk about making better wellness and lifestyle choices and to encourage people to pursue and achieve their goals.’ B-Living Issue 1, 2018