THE GREAT DEBATE
History : It is a common conception in the South African running scene that you cannot be considered a real runner until you have completed the ultimate human race , the Comrades Marathon . We look at the debate both for and against , and leave you to decide .
AGAINST : Ashraf Orrie
A passionate runner , Ashraf , or Mr O as he is fondly known , will be seen every weekend on a run somewhere . Whether pacing a bus or running for himself , he is someone every runner who runs around him can count on . He started running in 2010 and there isn ’ t a major race in South Africa that Ashraf hasn ’ t run . He brings a huge depth of knowledge on what it takes to complete an ultra and speaks from experience having completed seven Comrades Marathons .
1 .) Why are you against this conception ?
I ’ m not against this conception , it is more that I don ’ t agree with it . The one thing that we always need to remember is that each runner has their limitations , be it health or simply their own genetic make-up . But I think if you excel at whatever distance you decide to run , and it ’ s the best you can do , then you are a runner for sure . When thinking of this statement we need to ask the fundamental question that great runners like Eliud Kipchoge , Usain Bolt , Wade van Niekerk who have never and probably will never run Comrades can ever be considered not to be real runners ? The resounding answer in my mind is No .
Comrades should never define you as a runner , I don ’ t judge runners by the races they run , whether you are running Park Run , or more , the point is we are all different with different goals and as long as you are running and achieving you are a real runner .
2 .) What harm does this conception do to the running community ?
It does encourage some runners to run the race , myself included . I took on the challenge of running Comrades because it was supposedly the toughest race on offer , but after being in running for a while you learn about other races like the 100 miler and your perception changes .
But if you take on Comrades before you are ready to run it , there is the real possibility of walking away injured , or simply not enjoying it . I have seen many new runners and even experienced runners lose their running mojo completely after an unsuccessful
Comrades – which takes them away from the sport , which we know is not the goal . You should enjoy running simply for running and set your goals based on that .
3 .) Speaking from experience , having completed seven Comrades Marathons , when do you believe a runner should , if ever , take on the ultimate human race ?
I think if a runner is in their late 20 ’ s they could consider it if they ’ ve been running for about a year . But it all goes back to physical history , and your sporting background . Only the runners themselves will know if they are ready for Comrades based on marathons and events that they have run . Personally I think if you live in South Africa , you give the Two Oceans Ultra a try and even the Comrades for the runners experience - it ’ s always epic on the day .
4 .) What do you think this conception should be changed to ?
I ’ m someone who encourages everyone to run and I never judge a runner by the distance or races that they have run . In my eyes you are a runner , no matter the distance you run . Even the Comrades finishers - yes you ’ ve experienced the race , but I wouldn ’ t say running it makes you a better runner . There are the runners who have their green or blue number and think they are better than runners who haven ’ t run or who have run three or four . There is always that element of judgement no matter where we find ourselves . I love all runners , for who they are , not what they have run .
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