THE GREAT DEBATE
Debate
You have to run Comrades to be considered a ‘ real runner ’
FOR : Dennis Rehbock
Dennis , a well-known sports podiatrist with over 40 years of experience , knows a thing or two about running and how to do it correctly . Passionate about the running scene , Dennis believes that the Comrades Marathon holds great reverence in the SA running scene , and with one medal and years of working in the running industry , he speaks from experience . While he won ’ t be running Comrades again , he holds incredible knowledge on how you should run , and what not to do .
1 .) Why are you for this conception ?
Running the Comrades Marathon , one of the most prestigious ultramarathons in the world , can be an incredibly rewarding experience , and to be classified as a “ real runner ” you have to have run it . In South Africa it is the gold standard of races that any runner will be judged by . The Comrades is a life changing experience . Bruce Fordyce once said , “ when you finish the Comrades you are not the same person as when you started it ”. The race also has an incredible history dating back to 1921 . Being part of such a fantastic event is life changing . We are close to the 100th Comrades marathon . The race also looks great on your CV . The sense of
achievement and pride is enormous .
2 .) Why do you think this conception is good for the running community ?
Running and running the Comrades marathon is good for your health and wellbeing . Runners generally do not smoke and drink and that is a good thing . Running can improve your cardiovascular fitness and cardiac health . It can manage high blood pressure , and lower the risk of cardiovascular incidents and strokes . It can improve mental health and strengthen your bones . Weight control is also helped by running and eating healthy . Running is great for your stress levels . You sleep better . Your brain will function better . Studies show that contrary to popular belief marathon runners have a lower rate of arthritis .
3 .) Speaking from experience , having completed the Comrades Marathon , do you believe that runners who join a running club having never run a marathon and then take on the ultimate human race in less than a year are doing the right thing ?
No - I don ’ t think they are . Yes , I have run one Comrades a long time ago but I believe it takes at least two years from the start of your running career to get to the stage of actually running a Comrades . Trying to rush the Comrades training and the race in a few months is not a good idea . It takes time for the body to adapt to running and long-distance running . During this time the runner may be prone to fatigue and injuries . Some runners are not physically able to take on the training they need to do to get to the start line . Running the Comrades at a young age is also not a good idea . You only run the race if you are well prepared , fit , not injured and not in any way ill . There is a safety mechanism in place – you have to qualify to be able to run the race by finishing a standard marathon ( 42.2km ) in under 5 hours .
4 .) Why do you think this conception should not be changed ?
It should not be changed because you cannot change history . Comrades is nearly 100 years old . The benefits of Comrades are enormous . Care must be taken with training and injuries during the periods of hard training . This event is also very good for the KZN local economy .
Running the Comrades Marathon , one of the most prestigious ultramarathons in the world , can be an incredibly rewarding experience . The race medal is highly coveted . It may be the smallest medal you will ever get , but it will mean the most . If you have run one or fifty it doesn ’ t matter . You have run the Comrades Marathon .
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