While names like Gerda Steyn and Piet Wiersma will likely steal the headlines at the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, there are thousands more unique stories waiting to be told.
One such tale is that of Llewelyn Curlewis. The University of Pretoria (Tuks) doctor in the Procedural Law Department, will be hoping to finish his 30th Comrades.
Back in the mid-90s, Curlewis laced up to take on his first Comrades and he has not looked back since.
Age and injury have not stopped the Tuks runner from lining up each year for the historic race in KwaZulu-Natal between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
The mental and physical challenges of the Comrades Marathon
“I’ve never been able to say no to a good adventure. That’s just my personality,” said Curlewis.
“My first Comrades was exactly 30 years ago. For me, there really is little or no difference between the so-called “up” or “down” races. What most people don’t realise is that every uphill climb has a corresponding downhill in the opposite direction. The place is not known as the Valley of 1,000 Hills for nothing. But yeah, I prefer an ‘up’ because of the challenge.”
While many will see running close to 90 kilometres as a purely physical endeavour, Curlewis explained why it’s just as much of a mental challenge.
“The Comrades is as much a mental torture as an endurance race. You need a strong body and a strong head. Whatever you do, do it moving forward. Even if it’s just a short walk, remember to drink water. I once heard someone say a long time ago that ‘nothing is impossible until you are dead…and you know what, today is a good day to die trying at least’.”
Back in his prime, Curlewis managed a personal best time of seven hours and three minutes. These days, his goals have shifted due to the passing years.
“The time when I was capable of such times is unfortunately over. Getting older is not for sissies. Sunday, the goal is to finish under 10 hours.”
Ultimately though, Curlewis said running is a great activity for the masses.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, whether you’re an aspiring Olympic athlete or just doing it for the nice cold beer afterwards, do it. Running has a way of making you forget about all the other worries of life. It’s the one sport where everyone is equal. Regardless of who or what you think you are or where you come from. There’s a distance to suit everyone’s ability. It can be done almost every day, and sweating has never hurt anyone.”
@Michael_Sherman
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