Maxed Elite Running Club star Joseph Manyedi will be chasing the dream in this year’s Comrades Marathon down run on Sunday, hoping to take the giant step onto the podium after finishing fourth in last year’s race.
The Rustenburg-based road running ace fancies his chances after last year’s personal best time of 5:28:33 saw him finish behind race winner Piet Wiersma of the Netherlands (5:25:00), Dan Moselakwe (5:25:45) and Degefa Yohannese Lafebo of Ethiopia (5:27:48).
It was his fourth consecutive gold medal in eight races so far, and his best finish in The Ultimate Human Race.
The four-time gold medallist, who has been a runner for more than 20 years, joined the Mr Price Sport-backed Maxed Elite Running Club from the Nedbank Running Club earlier this year.
“I feel strong and focused. Training has gone well, and mentally I’m in a good space. I’m excited to give it everything on race day,” Manyedi told Independent Media Sport exclusively.
“Preparations have been intense but structured. We’ve focused on both volume and quality to peak at the right time.
“Endurance has been a major focus this year, especially for the down run. But I’ve also worked hard on sharpening my speed in the final months leading up to the race.
“For the down run, I do more quad-strengthening workouts, long downhill sessions, and pacing control. The up run is more about hill strength and maintaining rhythm.”
Manyedi gives a lot of credit to current coach Peter Gaebetse, whom he feels brings “elite-level structure and experience to my programme”.
“His training has pushed me to a new level, and being guided by someone who understands Comrades inside out has made a huge difference.”
The veteran runner showed his humility when asked how confident he is of winning the race, or where he expects the biggest challenge to come from.
“I’m confident in my preparation and experience. I know the course well and believe in my ability to execute a strong race plan. With God’s grace, anything is possible,” he said.
“The field is always stacked with top talent and a few rising stars. But I focus more on my own race than my competitors.”
Two-time winner and down run record holder Tete Dijana, a former Nedbank Running Club teammate, is expected to be a marked man in this year’s edition from Pietermartizburg to Durban. Wiersma will also be gunning for glory again.
What also helps Manyedi to stay focused on his goal is the fact that he never runs alone.
“I run for my family, for the youth back home who look up to me, and for everyone who believes in chasing dreams through hard work,” Manyedi said.
And what would it feel like should he cross the line first in Durban, to become a Comrades Champion?
“It would mean everything. It’s the dream I’ve chased for years. To cross that line first would be the ultimate reward for all the sacrifices, dedication, and faith,” Manyedi said.
Taking a step onto the podium would represent a giant leap for the ultra distance runner.
