Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 61, August 2014 | Page 31

Are You In for comrades Ma Out of winter, on go the shoes and you’re hitting the road again. Maybe taking part in 2015’s Comrades Marathon is already a goal that you’re setting yourself, even though your legs are just warming up to the smaller distances. At the CMA, we encourage all to start taking those small steps so you can say that you’ve conquered the Ultimate Human Race. It’ll arrive sooner than you think! – BY DELAINE COOLS CHATTING TO THE CHAMP At this year’s Comrades Marathon, Nedbank’s Bongmusa Mthembu grabbed his maiden Big C victory in 5:29:34, coming back after a DNF in 2013. His win also kickstarted a magnificent 1-2-3 South African podium in the men’s race. Bongmusa now has four golds, three silvers and a Wally Hayward medal to his name, and he says he’s ready to come back fighting in 2015! MA: Did you manage a good rest after your Comrades win? Do you have any goals for the rest of 2014? Bongmusa: I’ve been resting my body and have slowly started jogging lightly, but there are no real serious races I’m looking towards in the next few months. Still, I have to keep in check and keep my body fit in case I get race invites. Images: Jetline Action Photo, Lauren van der Vyver & Courtesy StockXchange AMABEADIBEADI THANK YOU The CMA thanks all runners who ran the 2014 Comrades Marathon in aid of our six official Amabeadibeadi charities, the Community Chest of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, PinkDrive, The Sports Trust, Starfish-Greathearts Foundation, Wildlands Conservation Trust and World Vision South Africa. We are pleased to announce that our charitable fundraising has increased from R2.8-million in 2013 to R4.49-million this year. WHO HAS THE BIG C SPIRIT? It’s time to nominate your Spirit of Comrades awardees. The Cathsseta Spirit of Comrades Awards is an annual gala event where a maximum of three individuals are rewarded for embodying the true spirit of the Comrades Marathon and being an inspiration to humanity. Amongst the previous winners are former winners Alan Robb and Frith van der Merwe, Kwaito star and TV personality Kabelo Mabalane, and legendary 12-hour pacesetter Vlam Pieterse. Anybody can make a nomination, so download the nomination form at www.comrades.com/recipients. MA: What was the reception like back home after your win? Bongmusa: It was so amazing! People from Natal were so happy for me and it’s great to give them any motivation I can. My family and friends, too, have been great support systems in my running. MA: What makes Comrades so special, and why should people enter this great race? Bongmusa: Comrades is for all kinds of people. It’s a legacy that you’re either going to win or race to say you have done it. I want to encourage people to take part but the most important thing is to be ready at the start and to enjoy the run. This is where you can find friends and make memories. For me, Comrades will always be the ultimate race on my schedule, so I intend on always coming back! CHARITY PARTNER RUN IN RHINO COUNTRY You can support the Wildlands Conservation Trust, an official Comrades Charity, by running the The Wild Series Old Mutual Radox Somkhanda Rhino Run this month. When: 16 August Where: Somkhanda Nature Reserve, Zululand (between Pongola & Mkhuze) What: A one-day 50km ultra trail running through rhino country. The race village is set in between the rolling valleys of northern KZN, situated perfectly to give you the best sunrise and sunsets imaginable. Camp fires will set you off and welcome you back home after a long day of great trail running. Entries: Enter online now at www.wildseries.co.za. More info: [email protected]. COMRADES ONLINE www.comrades.com Twitter: @ComradesRace Facebook: ComradesMarathon 31