Durban - Scores of supporters gathered yesterday at Drummond, the Comrades Marathon halfway point to cheer runners participating in the 95th running of the race.
Some were there to support their relatives and friends, while others came for a braai and to be a part of the race action.
Among those supporting runners, were local and international people and a local celebrity.
For some runners, the halfway point at Drummond was a highlight of their race as they beat the cut-off time and were able to continue on their way to Durban, however, for others it was bitter disappointment as they failed to make the time and it was the end of their race.
Willie van Staden was the last runner to make it past the halfway point before the cut-off gun at Drummond.
Before setting off again, Van Staden said: “I’m grateful to have made it but I’m really tired and will do my best to finish the race.”
Perumal Naicker, who is based in the UK, was the first runner to just miss the cut-off time.
“I’m a bit disappointed, I had a pretty good run till about 32km and then I started to slow down. However, when I got to 40km I had the energy to keep going. Unfortunately, it was a bit too late. I will definitely train harder and come back next year.”
Riaz Khan from Merewent was another runner who just missed the cut-off time.
“I’m not happy this is actually the first year that I have not made the cut-off point at Drummond. I have actually completed 10 Comrades Marathon races before. Unfortunately, this year I was carrying injuries and I took too long to address it and this affected my run today. However, I will come back, I will work harder and never again will I allow myself to fall short at the cut-off point at Drummond.”
One of the local celebrities that was present at Drummond was Keeping up with the Kandasamys’s actress Jailoshini Naidoo who was there to support her brother Priyen Naidoo in his first Comrades Marathon run.
“It is absolutely incredible to be here. The atmosphere is unbelievable. This is the greatest test of endurance and just to feel the camaraderie is incredible. It’s also amazing to see people coming together to support the Comrades after two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year it’s personal as my brother is running his first Comrades Marathon and it’s deja vu for me as my father ran 13 Comrades Marathon races and he completed 11 races and has his green number.
“It’s nostalgic for us as a family and my whole family is here to support my brother.”
Siyasanga Potwana, from uMhlanga, said that she was excited to be back supporting Comrades runners with her family for the first time after two years.
“I was here at 6.30am to support the runners because we have been waiting for this moment. This is my fifth time coming to Drummond to support the runners. It really is a beautiful experience to see the Comrades runners and hear the support of the crowd.”
Victor Chatue from Cameroon said that this is the first time that he has been present as a supporter for the Comrades Marathon.
“I have friends running the Comrades Marathon today and I’m here to support them. It’s just awesome to be here among all these Comrades Marathon supporters. Durban is a new city for me but it has a great vibe and the atmosphere is awesome.”
Wesley de Wet from Drummond said that he was glad to be there with his girlfriend and dog.
“There’s a massive crowd here and it’s great to see people supporting their friends and loved ones for the Comrades Marathon. The atmosphere is amazing and we came to see one of our good friends who is running his first Comrades Marathon and we are glad to see that he has already passed the halfway mark and beat the cut-off time.”