On 6 March I had the privilege of competing in the Nedbank Runified 50km in Gqeberha , after receiving an invitation to take part as a “ platinum athlete to compete in the elite field ” of this Word Athletics Bronze Label race . The Nedbank Running Club and Nick Bester were setting out to make history by including me as a para-athlete , aiming to set the South African T13 ( partially sighted ) men ’ s record for the 50km , as well as the marathon along the way . As I have not yet been internationally classified – I need to compete overseas first to get that – my 50km time could not count as a World Record , but I could set the mark for South Africa . I was well aware I was the tortoise in a truly world class race , with the very best in the game toeing the line in both the men ’ s and women ’ s races , but this was a great opportunity to raise awareness of parasport , especially of vision-impaired sportspeople , and an experience I never would have dreamt of to have the chance to set a SA para-athletics record .
With helping to raise three kids , and supporting a fivemonth pregnant wife , on top of a demanding career , and only finding out about this opportunity a few short weeks before the race , I didn ’ t have much time to prepare . Therefore , I went into the race thinking I would be delighted to break five hours for the 50km ( 10km an hour ), and then God-willing , I could aim to drop that properly in 2023 . The main goal was just to get the T13 South African men on to the 50k ( and 42k marathon ) map !
Incredible Support
With two days to go , I shared the link so that my family and friends could follow my progress with live updates ( and of course , that of all the rest of the field ).
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Tim starts another lap on his way to two new SA Records
I saw they had regular splits right from the 2km mark . I also looked through the list of entrants – the athletes were representing their countries , the field including athletes from as far afield as Australia and France , and from Africa , the Kenyans , Ethiopians , Zimbabweans , Botswanans and South Africans . It definitely looked like the most professionally organised , high quality race I would have ever done – in honesty , far more so than even the Deaf Olympics – so kudos to Nick and the Nedbank team . It was obvious why this race has a World Athletics Elite Label .
The day before the race , I registered , attended the technical briefing and completed the shoes declaration form ! “ It ’ s all about performance ” is the race ’ s motto , and there was an awesome vibe . I was ready to rumble , and couldn ’ t wait to get started . I kept thinking , it ’ s such an honour to even be here at this prestigious , invitation-only event , a first for paraathletics , and hopefully it will be the start that breaks barriers and opens the door for many more of us to step up our game and compete in races of this nature . That was my motivation .
Incredible Experience
Race day … What an incredible , fun experience this was , not least just being able to line up in a race with some of the great names of our sport ! Suitably tough , especially the heat , but the support and encouragement at the water stations , and from the officials , carried me through . The Nedbank Runified 50K was also my 50th marathon or ultra , and the cherry on the top was being able to set the SA T13 para-athletics 50km record at 4:31:35 in my 50th ultra / marathon . I was also grateful to have secured the other T13 record I was aiming for , covering the standard marathon distance in 3:38:42 .
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Then I experienced my first ever drug test – that ’ s a story on its own ! – and a range of other things that go into records and this unique kind of race . Such a special experience , and I am enormously grateful to Nick and the Nedbank Running Club for inviting me to compete , and for living out their commitment to breaking barriers . I hope they will give me the chance next year to try and break my records .
A mate sent me a pic with the front ladies , and joked that I was pacing them . Ha , I wish ! It was great fun , though , being able to toe the road with them , even if just for a few moments each lap . Also , what a thrill it was to have been able to share this adventure with my Dad ! He has been with me for most of my more significant events , and to have had him experience with me what is probably the highlight of my running career – yes , even more than the Deaf Olympics – was an absolute blessing . I absolutely love the pic taken by Richard Pearce of me with my Dad and son Brendan after the race . Love you , Dad !
Tim with his dad and son after the race
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Images : Richard Pearce Photography & Courtesy Nedbank Running Club , Tim Stones |