For many Comrades runners , the 2022 edition of the Ultimate Human Race was a ‘ tough day in the office .’ It wasn ’ t just due to the ultra-length of the 89.885km route and all the hills along the way , but also because the race had last been run in 2019 , due to COVID and lockdown restrictions . This meant that even some of the more experienced Comrades runners felt like novices again out on the long road . And it contributed to many runners deciding to stick with the experienced Comrades Marathon Pacesetters .

These volunteers carry a flag denoting their target time , and fellow runners can ‘ climb on board the bus ’ and rely on the ‘ bus driver ’ to steer them home to a set target time , be it to make the cut-off for a specific medal or to make it home before the final 12-hour cut-off gun is fired . The official Comrades Pacesetters do this with the permission of the Comrades Marathon Association , which has recognised the role the pacesetters play in helping fellow runners make it home on time .

The list of 2022 Comrades Pacesetters once again included some well-known and highly experienced stalwarts of previous years , as well as a few new faces . Several important factors were taken into consideration in the selection process of these pacesetters , including their Comrades record , proving their knowledge and experience of the route and distance , as well as their pacesetting record , proving their consistency and ability to lead a group home . And after their run , we caught up with them to ask what their 2022 Comrades experience was like .

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ISSUE 153 | www . modernathlete . co . za

SUB-9:00 – JOE FABER FINISHING TIME : 8:58:58 24th Comrades finish 3rd Comrades as Pacesetter

Walking to the start of Comrades 2022 and placing my Sub-9 flag on my back , I knew that the run was not about me , but the runners who were already waiting at the start line . When entering my seeding pen and hearing my name being called , and being referred to as their sub-9 bus driver , was confirmation of a responsibility that I would have for the next nine hours . After the cockcrow and the start gun going off , my dream of being a Comrades Pacesetter once again was now a reality .

A few kilometres into the run , upon being told how big the sub-9 group was , I realised that I must make runners dreams and goals come true . As we ran past various iconic markers , like the highest point , Harrison Flats , Inchanga , Drummond and Arthur ’ s Seat , I could feel the confidence runners had in me . Our anticipated times at these points were no more than a few seconds out . The camaraderie , spectator support and the vision of the finish line became the key motivation for the second half of the run .

SUB-10:00 – MAROPENG ‘ ROCKY ’ MOJELA

FINISHING TIME : 9:56:19 12th Comrades finish 4th Comrades as Pacesetter

Comrades 2022 came at a time when I was long waiting to do what I am best at , and so passionate about . The sub-10 bus cruised from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in a very ‘ Nice n Easy ’ pace , and was packed with happy runners . It was a nice day , with the perfect weather that allowed me as the bus driver to remain focused , but still enjoy the route .

The bus landed safely and right on time at the finish , which brought so much joy to me and the runners . Seeing the trust and belief that runners have in me is so amazing , and I am delighted at having managed to deliver as per the plan . Already I am gearing up for the 2023 Comrades . # NicenEasyRockyBus – Maropeng ‘ Rocky ’ Mojela

Images : Tobias Ginsberg , Sean Falconer