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#Comrades2024: Local Runner Prepares for Epic Race
Local runner Marionè de Beer will tackle the Comrades Marathon on June 9. “It’s an extraordinary race. I want to challenge myself and see if I can conquer it,” she said. The Qhubeka Athletic Club runner will debut in the up-run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, a journey of 85.91km.
De Beer, 30, will tick the Comrades Marathon off her bucket list. Despite nerves, she feels fit and ready for the race, the shortest in its history. “I’m 100% ready. I have put in the work at training. I hope I don’t sustain any injuries from now until race day,” she added.
She will be among 15 novices representing the Sunward Park-based club. 73 runners will line up for the club, with nine going for their back-to-back medals. Hulikani Nyathi will earn his green number, while club chairperson Benzi Tenza will run his 18th Comrades. Peter Monyai and Busisiwe Pakati will also participate, marking their 17th and 14th races.
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De Beer’s inspiration came from her father, a former Comrades runner. She entered the ultramarathon in November after seeing an article on social media news about opening entries. She began her Comrades training in January with the help of Qhubeka AC chairperson and coach Benzi Tenza.
She qualified for Comrades at the TracN4 Elands Marathon on March 2, clocking 04:12:06 for an F seeding. De Beer then tested herself at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon in April, completing the 56km in 05:57:44 and the 21.1km half-marathon in 02:38:19.
“I’m looking forward to enjoying the race, vibe, and meeting people from all over SA and the world. Consistency is key. I’m going to follow the plan and enjoy every minute of the race,” De Beer said.
Their Comrades send-off breakfast was held at News Café Boksburg on June 1.
Source: #Comrades2024: Local runner ready for Comrades
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Picture: Supplied by Benoni City Times
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