INSPIRATION
The Dubai Duo
Comrades 2024 was a journey of endurance, spirit, and the will to conquer for two runners from the Dubai Creek Striders club in Dubai. Now, after their successful debut in the Ultimate Human Race, they’ re back for a second run in 2025, with much valuable experience to tap into. – BY RISHAV KOCHAR & GANESH POTPHODE
Rishav Kochar and Ganesh Potphode give the thumbsup before their 2024 Comrades debut
The Comrades Marathon is not just a race; it’ s an experience, a journey of endurance, discipline and mental resilience. On 9 June 2024, we took on this incredible challenge, successfully completing all cut-offs and finishing strong. Our journey was one of meticulous preparation, structured training, and unwavering determination. Now, as we gear up for Comrades 2025 – the Down Run – we’ d like to share our experience, insights and key takeaways, to hopefully inspire aspiring runners to take on this legendary ultra-marathon.
Training in Dubai
Dubai’ s climate presents significant obstacles for marathon training, particularly during the scorching summer months. The combination of high temperatures, often exceeding 40 ° C, and relentless humidity, can push even the most seasoned runners to their limits. These conditions demand careful planning to avoid overheating, dehydration and exhaustion. To adapt, we often schedule our long runs early in the morning or late at night, when temperatures are slightly cooler. Treadmill runs in air-conditioned gyms also become an essential part of training plans. However, despite these adaptations, the mental and physical strain of heat cannot be completely avoided, requiring careful planning and consistent acclimatisation.
Hydration is critical for endurance events like Comrades. The race offers water, Coca-Cola, energy drinks, and even baby potatoes at aid stations every 2.5km. We trained with these fluids to condition our bodies to accept them on race day. Salted chips, chocolates, energy gels, and dates with a pinch of salt were also part of our fuelling strategy. It’ s crucial to practise nutrition in training, so we used the same gels, hydration and food that would be available on race day, to avoid surprises.
Structured Strategy
Our training plan was structured and progressive, and we followed Coach Parry’ s methodology. The UAE’ s mountainous regions, such as Jebel Jais and Hatta, offer excellent training opportunities for Comrades participants. The course’ s alternating“ up” and“ down” runs demand significant uphill and downhill endurance. The steep climbs of Jebel Jais and the rugged trails in Hatta mimic the challenging elevation profiles of the Comrades Marathon, allowing runners to build strength, stamina, and confidence for race day.
Running as a group helped maintain motivation, and racespecific training, such as practising a slower-than-marathon pace, was crucial. For reference, a marathon pace of 5:30 km / min translates to a Comrades pace of about 7.00 min / km. Training in Heart Rate Zone 2 is ideal for long runs, to build endurance without excessive fatigue. Strength training also played a significant role in injury-prevention. Squats, lunges, and core exercises helped maintain form and resilience during the race, and regular physiotherapy, stretching and massages kept us injury-free. We found that recovery is just as important as training.
One must keep in mind that the Comrades is more than just a physical challenge; it’ s a test of mental strength. Long training runs, hill sessions, and ultra-distances condition the mind to endure fatigue. Training consistently builds the confidence required to finish strong. The right mindset, coupled with crowd support, carries runners through the toughest moments. Then, during the race, breaking the journey into small milestones helps, rather than thinking about the full distance. The spectators and fellow runners play a crucial role in motivation – embrace their energy.
Takeaways from 2024
The Polly Shortts climb was one of the most gruelling segments for our Up run – even experienced runners found it mentally and physically draining – but unexpectedly, there were also smaller climbs near the finish that caught many off guard. One key takeaway we realised: Train for elevation gain, not just mileage. We focused on hours on feet rather than kilometres covered, which was more effective for building endurance.
Comrades is an emotional journey, and seeing runners of all ages pushing their limits is inspiring. The energy from spectators, the camaraderie among participants, and the feeling of crossing the finish line make this race unique. One unforgettable moment was witnessing a fellow runner
About the Authors collapse near the finish line. Despite exhaustion, he crawled to the finish, embodying the Comrades spirit: If you can’ t run, walk. If you can’ t walk, crawl. But don’ t stop.
Expressing Gratitude
The Comrades journey in Dubai wouldn’ t be the same without the dedication of individuals like Nichols le Roux. His commitment to shaping and mentoring runners has been instrumental in moulding the Comrades community in the UAE. His expertise and encouragement have guided countless runners toward achieving their goals and conquering this gruelling ultra-marathon.
Additionally, the unwavering support of the Dubai Creek Striders team deserves heartfelt recognition. Their camaraderie, structured training plans, and encouragement create a motivating environment, helping runners tackle the challenges of training in Dubai and making every step toward the Comrades finish line a shared triumph.
Now, in 2025, we return for the Down Run, chasing the coveted Back-to-Back Medal. Each Comrades race teaches new lessons, pushing us to become better athletes and individuals. It’ s more than a race – it’ s a way of life. See you at the start line in 2025!
Ganesh and Rishav proudly show off their first Comrades medals
Rishav Kochar and Ganesh Potphode are Indian nationals based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. They made their Comrades debuts in 2024, finishing in 11:36:13 and 11:40:38 respectively, both taking home a Vic Clapham medal, and they return in 2025 aiming to earn their Back-to-Back medals.
Images: Courtesy Rishav Kochar, Ganesh Potphode
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