Hello, Westies,

It’s that time of year again when the brave among us tackle the daunting task of running the Comrades Ultramarathon on 8 June. 2025 is a Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, with the final distance set at 89.98km.

Of course, we’ve all heard of the legendary Oom Wietse, who is about to embark on his 46th consecutive run, or the gutsy Louis Massyn, who’s preparing to run his 50th, a mind-boggling milestone in endurance running!

But did you know that at WCAC we have our very own legends who are part of the small and rather elite community of finishers with multiple medals, and between them they’ve amassed a whopping 160 medals… and counting!

So this month, our club celebrates the spirit of Comrades by sharing just some of these incredible stories with the hopes of igniting the Comrades dream; inspiring this year’s novices and those who wish to run this iconic race in the future.

We honour those who have run it, those preparing to run it, and those cheering on from the sidelines. Remember – you’re not running alone. You are part of a tribe that believes in the power of perseverance and the beauty of camaraderie.

So lace up, stay strong, and trust the journey.

PS On Sunday June 8, the club will host an 8.98km run and a screening to watch the drama of the day unfold, details to follow in the weekly club notice!

What is your target time this year? I approach each marathon without the constraints of a target time. The unpredictable nature of race day encourages me to prepare multiple strategies:

• Plan A: Aim for victory

• Plan B: Secure a Silver

• Plan C: Go for Bill Rowan

• Plan D: Honor the commitment and finish the race.

Achieving a negative split, where I complete the second half faster, feels like a personal victory over my own limitations.

What are some of the highlights of your Comrades adventures thus far. Every Comrades Marathon is a tapestry of highlights. Yet, the privilege of simply standing at the start line is profound. Receiving my double green number from the legendary Mr Wally Hayward, who, at age 79, finished just 7 minutes behind me in 9H44 minutes in 1988, is a cherished honour. Additionally, sharing the track with both my brothers during my 10th Comrades Marathon adds depth to my experience. A great thank you to my family for all their support, and a special thanks to Zelda, my wife, for taking good care of me and always encouraging me.

For the novices embarking on this journey, I offer two essential tips: 1. Embrace and absorb the vibrant energy surrounding you. 2. Be mindful that challenging patches will arise, but continue steadfastly towards the finish, savouring every moment of your run.

The Reluctant Comrades Champ

When I left the SA army in 1976, I vowed never to run again. I had more than my fair share of running and physical training whilst at the Parachute Battalion in Bloemfontein. I kept my promise to myself until I turned 40 in 1997. Early in 1998, my friend (we are still friends today!) dared me to run the Comrades Up Run with him that year. My initial reaction was a hard no; I thought he’d lost his mind as it was way too far!

I eventually accepted the challenge and did my first road race (15km) in January 1998 in Johannesburg. Then a 32km in February and a marathon in March. I was then informed that we’d qualified for Comrades.

As we were making final preparations, my friend picked up an injury and was forced to withdraw from the race. Back then there were very few coaches (and obviously no social media), so I headed to Durban on my own, knowing very little about Comrades and what awaited me.

At that time, there was no such luxury as seeding pens. The earlier you arrived at the start, the closer you were to the front. I was dropped very early and close to the front, and it was a nervous wait that morning in Durban with 11 000 runners lining up!

The vibe at the start was absolutely amazing. I chatted to fellow runners who were also novices, so we were all equally unsure of how the day would unfold. 

We started at a blistering pace, and after 4km I decided to slow down, which, in hindsight, was a very good decision.

Reaching the halfway mark and seeing my friends was fantastic and just the boost I needed as the second half started with the massive climb up Inchanga.

I reached the finish in 08H38 and made the decision that I will never run this race again. It is just too far!

For a while I basically stopped running. I belonged to Alberton Athletic Club in JHB; however, due to work commitments, I rarely attended club functions. However, at one event, every club member tried to convince me to tackle the Down Run. My answer was always NO. 

I’m not sure why, but at some stage changed my mind and agreed to tackle the Down Run in 1999. However, as I now had a bit of an idea of what to expect I was even more nervous for my second run! While I still remember my first Comrades very well, what I can remember from my second one is that seeing Durban from the top of Field’s Hill, I decided to pick up the pace. I went flying down Field’s Hill, passing maybe 500 athletes, only to be passed by three times that number of runners once at the bottom of the hill! Nobody told me that you do NOT race down Field’s Hill.  A valuable lesson indeed.

My finish time on that Down Run was 07H50. It was then that I learnt about the 07H30 Silver medal finish and immediately decided that the following year I would come back and compete for a Silver medal. What I will do differently, though, is train more, much, much more.

In 2000 I came to Comrades well prepared. I dropped 10kg in weight and ran 3500km in training from January to June. I was ready for the Up Run. 

All went according to the plan, and I managed to finish in 07H25, good enough for a Silver medal. Now I was hooked on Comrades and decided to come back in 2001 to try and earn a Silver medal on the Down Run.

I continued to run every year and achieved 8 consecutive Silvers with a best time of 06H56 in 2007. That was also the year after I turned 50. I managed to be the 5th Master home, with the previous 3-time winner of Comrades, Vladimer Kotov, winning the Master’s category and finishing in the top 10, earning a Gold medal. I had no chance! Some interesting trivia: the prize money for the Master’s category was allocated to the top 4 positions. 5th was not good enough!

At the beginning of 2008, I joined West Coast Athletic Club. I continued running every year and managed to earn my double green number (20 consecutive runs) in 2017. I never earned a Silver medal in West Coast colours; my best time as a West Coaster is 07H36.

The following year, 2018, was very special, as I started the Down Run with my daughter, Elaan. We ran together the whole way and finished in a respectable 10H26. That was an amazing experience!

The following year we again ran together. Elaan was doing so well and with 15km to go I convinced her to go ahead. She finished just outside 9 hours, and I came in about 15 minutes later.

I realised then it was time for the youngsters to take over.

After 23 Comrades, due to a knee injury I will not be on the start line of Comrades 2025. I did enter, but had to give up my entry. So this year I will be a spectator, and that is going to be hard.

Comrades is a remarkable, life-changing event. I have made so many friends over the past 25 years, and hopefully I will be back one day. Remember, it is a big achievement to be on the starting line of Comrades, as many athletes would like to run but just cannot qualify for the event.

Having completed 264 marathons, I was really hoping to stay on the road a bit longer. But as my doctor said. “Maybe you’ve run a few too many marathons.” Who knows?

I wish all the 2025 Comrades runners, especially the West Coast runners, all the best and hope they enjoy the journey. Because it is truly a journey. I always call the Comrades Journey the “Big Fun Run” in Durban!

Notes for Novices:
Here are a few “need-to-know” tips from Willie:

BEFORE
1. Make sure to get to the start in good time. It is very congested and stressful to get to your starting pen if you are running late.  This applies especially for the PMB start if you are staying in Durban.

2. Take a disposable bottle of water with you to the start. You’re going to get thirsty while waiting.
3. Enjoy the vibe. It is incredible and you must soak it in. Be part of it.

 DURING
Do NOT quit. You are going to go through a bad patch somewhere. Just keep moving forward. And do not stop at all the water tables. There are more than 50 water tables. Even a little stop at them all will add an hour to your time.

AFTER
1. Enjoy the last couple of metres as you approach the finish line. There is massive support on both sides of the road. Smile and wave at the supporters as you have achieved something very special! 2. Feet up. Enjoy a cold beer. Believe me, after all the Coke and water, a beer really tastes good.3. Hopefully you are only flying back on Tuesday, as you must go to the club’s after-party on Monday. You’ve achieved your goal, and now it’s time to celebrate!

But the call of the Comrades is powerful – and so, I returned.

Running this race for over two decades has taken its toll on the body, but I have no regrets. Every finish line has been a chapter in a much larger story.

My personal best came on the Up Run with a time of 07H40. I was chasing a Silver that day – came close and missed it by 10 minutes. It was bittersweet, but missing it by that margin hurt less than if it had been by just a minute or two. At 90kg, I gave it everything I had.

Among my proudest achievements is completing three sub-8-hour Comrades, one of which holds a special place in my heart – the 2016 Down Run, the year my son Kyle was born. With limited training following his birth in April, I told my wife, Corinne, that I wanted to do something meaningful that year. I set out to run a sub-8 with a negative split: I went through halfway in 4 hours and attempted the second half in under 4. It came down to the wire. With 2km to go, I was redlining. At 1km to go, I was spent – vomiting, walking, gasping for air – but I carried on, finishing in 7H58 with a 3H58 second half. It remains one of my proudest runs.

Another milestone was completing 13 consecutive Bill Rowan medals – a streak that required consistency, resilience, and determination.

But the seed for this journey was planted long before my first official race. It began at age 7, when my dad – my hero and inspiration – ran his Comrades races. We lived in Estcourt, and as children, we’d run short sections of the route with him. He was a strong runner, clocking several sub-3-hour marathons and earning a Silver in one of his six Comrades attempts. His slowest time, in his words, was a “very slow” 8H15 – just 45 minutes off Silver. Watching him and later cheering on runners while at school at Maritzburg College at the finish in Pietermaritzburg ignited something in me.

After my rugby days, I was challenged to take on Comrades at age 21. With just one marathon and 600km of training under my belt, I joined the 2000 Up Run – a mammoth event with 23 000 runners. I was in a back batch, and it took 20 minutes just to cross the start line. That year was also the first time the cut-off was extended to 12 hours. I finished, and in so doing, began a tradition that would become my way of life.

People often ask why I keep returning. For me, Comrades is more than a race – it’s a pilgrimage, a journey back to my roots, and a reconnection with my family. It has gifted me lifelong friendships and profound life lessons. As the saying goes, “Comrades will define you.” You’ll have moments of strength and euphoria, only to turn a corner and be brought to your knees. But the mind is powerful. If we stay focused and determined, we persevere – in running and in life.

Today, both my father and I have plaques on the Comrades Wall of Remembrance. We’ve agreed that, when our time comes, our ashes will be scattered along the Comrades route beneath those very plaques. It’s where we belong. My dream is to walk/run a Comrades with my son, Kyle. I’m certain that by then technology will allow me to have bionic knees inserted – complete with an App on the phone to tweak them accordingly!

Advice to Novices:
Your first Comrades will be etched into your memory forever. I remember mine more vividly than any of the others. The electric atmosphere at the start, the singing of Shosholoza and the national anthem – no other race compares.

Biggest advice? Start slow to finish strong. Don’t “bank” time early. Every year, I see runners from later batches sprint past in the first few kilometres. It’s the most common mistake. Channel the excitement into patience, not pace.

I’ll leave you with a quote I’ve always cherished. It reminds us that courage lies not in winning or losing, but in daring to try – especially when the journey is long, painful, and uncertain: “It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena… who, at the best, knows the triumph of high achievement, and at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly…”
– Theodore Roosevelt, Paris 1910

Here’s to the next chapter in this incredible journey. Comrades is not just a race – it’s who we are.

Off I went to Durban with much apprehension, not knowing what to expect. I had no race plan and plodded along, taking far too much time at the water tables as well as chatting to friends.

It was no surprise that I was cut off at 82km. That was the furthest I had ever run, and I was pretty happy with that. I didn’t get a medal but was so thrilled to have been part of the extraordinary event. I was the only one not crying in the bailer bus!

I was back the following year but two days before the race, I picked up a tummy bug. I started running feeling absolutely dreadful and eventually stopped at 56km –completely dehydrated and deflated. I could not hide my disappointment. I still had no medal, and I felt sick for a week afterwards.

The following year, I was back again, this time with a solid race plan. It was one of those days where everything just clicked; at no point did I struggle, I loved every moment, and I came home with my medal! Crossing the finish line still remains one of the greatest highlights of my life. For weeks afterwards, I proudly announced to complete strangers that I had finished Comrades!

I went on to complete 3 more Comrades races. I’m grateful to have been able to compete in this special run. Some parts were a breeze, whereas other times I had to dig really deep to keep going. I have many happy Comrades moments and several more very tough moments. Sometimes the nutrition and race fuel worked, and other times not. Each race was a unique experience.

This year, I am going back for #5 and praying that all goes well.

Monique’s top tips:

• Do not stop at every water table and save the long chats to family/friends for afterwards. Just keep running.
• A few days before, choose your meals well. Eat whole foods that your digestive system is accustomed to.
• ⁠Have a race plan.
• Take a moment to appreciate the scenery when you pass through the Valley of a Thousand Hills. It’s so beautiful.
• No matter how tired you are or how much your legs are complaining, you can take another step and another and another…
• Be proud of yourself for getting to the start line. That alone is a big feat with months of hard work and preparation.
• No matter what life throws at you after this, remember you are a Comrades runner, and there is nothing that you cannot conquer.

My spelling was atrocious, my grammar even worse, and I needed 50% to pass.

In those days, the oral component significantly influenced final marks, and I had decided to present on D-Day. But as my preparation floundered, I confided in my English teacher, Ken Schuter, a Comrades Marathon veteran. His simple advice changed everything: “Gary, what do you know best and are passionate about?” Without hesitation, I replied, “The Comrades Marathon.” After all, I had just run my first one in June 1982.

That oral presentation was a turning point. Speaking to a packed class, I shared the history, great champions, and my own experience. The enthusiasm was palpable, and after 30 minutes, they urged me to continue, firing off questions. I aced the presentation, secured the marks I needed, and got into university – all thanks to Comrades.

Running was ingrained in me from childhood. My father, John, was my hero – not wealthy but rich in integrity, kindness, and love for the sport. I trained with him, ran time trials at Bluff Athletic Club, and tackled cross-country races. When I entered Weston Agricultural College in 1980, I continued running, eager to keep up with him.

At 17, I ran my first marathon, the Richmond Marathon, finishing in 3h42 over 44km. By December 1981, training alongside my father, I boldly declared my intent to run Comrades. At 18, I was eligible and determined. I clocked 3h18 at the Midlands Marathon, improved to 3h17 a week later at Richmond, and completed the Arthur New Ultra 56km in precisely 5 hours. I was ready.

The 1982 Comrades was a record-breaking event with 4 887 runners. Standing close to the banner, the electric atmosphere filled me with adrenaline. The opening strains of Chariots of Fire echoed through the crowd as a drunken runner beside me added his own chaos – urinating right there. Wet shoes, great start!

My father’s words rang in my ears: “Gary, don’t forget – you have one bucket of energy. Pour it out slowly.” But the moment the rooster crowed, I bolted off at Silver pace. My youthful arrogance cost me; by halfway, I had blown. My father caught me at Hillcrest, shaking his head. “You didn’t listen. Now you’ll suffer!” He was right – I held on by sheer will and crossed the finish in 9h03.

Comrades remains etched in my heart. Over the years, I completed 12 races, 10 with West Coast Athletic Club, my best being 8h17 in 1991.

To the 2025 West Coasters: you’ve put in the hard work – don’t waste it.

Gary’s Golden Rules for Race Preparation:

1. Get consistent sleep – 8 hours a night the week before.
2. Arrive two days early, minimise time on your feet, and beware of pickpockets at the expo.
3. The day before, take a 3km walk, eat before 6pm, and prep your gear.
4. If travelling from out of town, factor in race-day traffic.
5. Don’t rely on your seconds – carry your essentials to avoid disappointment.
6. Nutrition and hydration are key; eat real food every 45 minutes.
7. Most importantly – embrace the race and enjoy every moment

Comrades is the best race in the world!

After 20 finishes, every single race is a highlight. The runners that make up the field are such a special group of people. If it were compulsory to run Comrades before one could stand for a political appointment, then South Africa would have far fewer issues.

What has motivated you to run the ultimate human race year after year? I return year after year because Comrades is simply the best race in the world. This year I would like to finish sub 9, but I think that a safer bet is sub 9H30, with my best time being 7H33.

Note to Novices:
• Start slow, then slow down even more. 

• The down run is an up run and only becomes a down run after Drummond, so keep your powder dry!

How many Comrades have you completed? So far I’ve entered, started, and completed 8 Comrades.

What has motivated you to run the ultimate human race year after year? I return each year as I enjoy running, and the history behind Comrades is a motivating factor, so it’s simply a must-do for me. My physical activities for the year are always aimed towards Comrades. That’s what keeps me fit, healthy, and focused.

What is your target time this year? My target for 2025 is sub-9, and my best time overall is 08H40:44.

Name one highlight of your Comrades adventures. My first time participating is still a highlight! I realised then how it captivates the entire nation and unites us in the same way the Springboks do. It is, after all, an honour to those who lost their lives in World War 1, so it’s a privilege to run this race. I also realised my mental strength – I never believed I could conquer +-90km on such a brutal course. That’s a huge achievement!

Novice Tips:
• Avoid going too fast in the dark. Just run the first 33km as though it’s the usual club long run on the weekend. Use a walk/run strategy; it’s best to walk some of the hills when needed – simply listen to your body. Lastly, pace yourself according to what you trained for; don’t push yourself beyond your training. Tapering is also very important; don’t do anything stupid the 3 weeks before race day!

A journey of self-discovery

What has motivated you to run the ultimate human race year after year? My motivation to run year after year was triggered by the camaraderie of the West Coast team and spirit. I did my first Comrades in 2003 with Bedfordview, and it was a bucket-list tick. Once I returned to Cape Town and joined West Coast, the vibe was such that I was forced into doing it again 6 years later. From 2009, there was no turning back, as the community just made it a habit.

What is your target time this year? I’m hoping for a sub-10-hour finish, but as I turn 64 soon and have never really been a speedster, I will probably, as I have been doing for the past few years, take a 20-minute timeout for a relaxing cup of tea and sandwiches around 60km before completing the final 30km. My best Comrades finish time is 9H19.

Name one highlight of your Comrades adventures. If I look back, most Comrades had moments of upliftment and, within the same event, moments of despair. A highlight for me was being able to run a sub-10-hour Comrades after turning 60, as well as breaking the club age record for the 90km distance in 2022. After a shortened route in 2023, I was unable to defend it due to a broken shoulder following an operation.

My advice to novices:
Always keep moving forward; moments of wanting to give up should become moments of slowing down but continuing to advance. During my first Comrades, I was ready to throw in the towel as I reached halfway. Somebody said to me, “Just keep walking and wait for the bus!” A little while later he said, “The bus is here.” I saw no bus, just a massive crowd of runners. He said, “That’s the bus; stick with them and you’ll be safely home.” I finished my first Comrades and discovered the new meaning of “bus.”

How many Comrades Marathons have you completed? 
I ran 20 Comrades and did my last in 2023.

Which race stands out the most to you? Why?  The last one! I could take 19 years of experience and combine it and absorb every minute. It didn’t start off as a good day, as I had gut issues and it was a very cold morning, but that’s what makes running so special: you get support from your running partners, people you meet on the day, and the crowd cheering you on. That is what it is all about. Comrades Day is about camaraderie, endurance, thankfulness, friends, family, health, joy, peace, and celebrating life. 

What was the most challenging moment you’ve faced during a Comrades Marathon, and how did you overcome it? 
My first Comrades! Standing at the start about to run the longest distance ever, I had no idea if I could do it or not. I had to dig deep, keep believing in myself, and keep on moving forward. In the last 30km, an experienced runner took me under his wing, and we finished together. It was so tough but also the most rewarding feeling!

Share your thoughts on your best run.
It was 2006, and I ran a PB of 9h52 on an Up Run! It was just a perfect day where everything happened the way it was supposed to. Nothing compares to when you cross that finish line feeling amazing!

What does running the Comrades Marathon mean to you, now that you’ve closed the chapter? 
Comrades is life-changing; if every runner could experience it once, it’s an amazing day of growth, getting to know yourself, perseverance, character building, and hope. More important is the journey: meeting like-minded people, making friendships that last forever, and committed club committee members who work hard at making this possible. The feeling of belonging – your club becomes your family. 

Did you dedicate your races to someone or something special?
Every year I would split up my race into 10km segments and spend that time remembering special people in my life. I lost both my parents and oldest brother to cancer. I used this time to pray, celebrate life, and be grateful for my good health.

How has participating in the Comrades Marathon impacted your life outside of running? 
Running Comrades gave me self-confidence, made me believe in my abilities, and improved my mental and physical health. I have a more positive attitude about life. Running makes you realise that you are so much stronger than you think you are. 

Isabel’s advice to novices and those contemplating it: 
If you are thinking of doing it, go for it! It is so doable. Be consistent in your training, stay injury-free, listen to your body, rest when necessary, and show up for your training runs. Completing Comrades is worth all the hard work; you will be a different person once you cross that finish line. Never underestimate the race; there is a reason why it is called the Ultimate Human Race. 

Having said that, Comrades is not for everyone. If you are not an endurance runner and you don’t enjoy long distances, don’t do it! You must really want it. Running is about fun, and if you don’t enjoy endurance running, find your joy in shorter distances, trail running, or cross-country. Never compare yourself to other runners; you have your own talent! Running must be a happy place!