MSA staff member completes Comrades Marathon

9 July 2008

Chris Maiketso, Student Development Community Services Officer at Monash South Africa, with his Comrades’ Marathon bronze medal.

Chris Maiketso, Student Development Community Services Officer at Monash South Africa, recently completed the grueling 87 km Comrades Marathon in Kwa Zulu Natal wearing Monash colours.

The Comrades Marathon which is run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg is arguably the greatest ultra marathon in the world and has been in existence since 1921. Each year, it attracts about 12 000 runners from all over the world and thousands of spectators and TV viewers. This year the marathon up-run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, requiring extra stamina and hill-running skills.

Chris, who trained for two years prior to the event, said: “It was difficult and required discipline in many areas such as diet, following a strict training programme, participating in qualifying races and mental preparation.”

“On the race day I was really nervous. It was my first ‘comrades’ and I was surrounded by experienced runners who were quick to notice that I was novice. They gave me good advice for the race, however, and encouraged me to feel confident that I could make it.”

“Except for few cramps in my left leg, the race went extremely well without any major problems and I am very proud that I managed to complete it.”

“It was amazing and overwhelming to see the finish line after almost 12 hours on the road. The cheering spectators encouraged us to keep going and the participants were in a state of euphoria.”

Chris completed the race in 11 hours 53 min, just seven minutes before the cut off. “In the beginning my intention was to finish in 10 hours but the more experienced runners advised me not to rush, but take it easy all the way,” said Chris. “If afforded the opportunity I would do it again, again and again.