Up Run
Only a one week left until the biggest ultra marathon in the world! 1000’s of kilometers have been run, many liters of sweat and tears have been poured, yet there is still some work to be done before the gun goes.
Have a look below to see exactly you can expect on Comrades day!
Have a great May, keep warm, heathly and keep safe on the roads!
Things that you will enjoy about Comrades
1. The finish, the moment when you can stop running.
2. The next daywhen you realise what you have achieved.
3. The feeling ofbeing at peak fitness and being totally aware of how your body feels.
4. Comrades day is not always great. I liken it to having a baby: there's the nine months of training, the pregnancy, running on the day is the labour and getting that medal is the baby!
5. Standing on the start line and hearing Chariots of Fire - and I always cry! I consider it a privilege just to be there. I think back over the training which I have been able to do - not everyoneCAN do what is required. I always feel a quiet confidence, not because of what is to come and how I will finish, but because I know that I have done everything I could possibly have done to make sure I get to that line. It’s a time when I have NO regrets and no guilt.
6. The crowd support - not the idiots who say you are nearly there when you still have 60k's to go, but those who honestly recognizeyour achievement and encourage you to keep going, those who just quietly clap and smile and say"Well done".
7. The finish - somehow we find somethingextra as we smell that stadium! Irrespective of the time, the fact that we've gone the distance is in itself and enormous achievement. I try to enjoy that last km- no place for analysis paralysis - that can happen the next day!
8. Overwhelming sense of achievement /accomplishment in finishing
9. The spirit and the encouragement of all the runners around you – it just feels like a special day compared to other races
10. The crowd support & encouragement
11. The finishing stadium -as you enter, it feels as if the entire stadium is cheering for you! This continues all the way around the finish lap - revel in it and enjoy!
12. The disabled kids at the base of Inchanga - gives me a lump in my throat and a little tear in my eyes.
13. Cato Ridge/Drummond/Pinetown (depends on if the route goes on the main road or not - they sometimes change it) and the final 3kms of the race - these areas are very dense with supporters and have the most amazing atmosphere - the people really will you on with their support.
14. All the people along the route to say “hi” or “thanks” to - both supporters and runners.
15. Being ableto eat chocolate without the pangs of guilt.
16. Being able to encourage other struggling runners
17. Longest and shortest day of your life – before you realize it is all over!
18. Post-Comrades “high” lasts for a year!
19. Camaraderie on road and spectator support unforgettable!
20. The runners that you meet along the way.
REGISTRATION
We would like to remind all runners that when attending Expo to register for the race, to bring along your Championchip and proof of identification as you will require this to register. NO CHIP NO Registration!!!
TIPS FOR COMRADES
Months of preparation and training has gone into your goal of completing the 2009 Comrades Marathon. Now - make sure that you put the final touches to your game plan to ensure that it is an enjoyable and hassle free day for you and your faithful supporters.
The information below forms an important part of your final preparations and will ensure that you experience the true spirit of Comrades.
FAQ:
· Q: What is the start time?
· A: 05h30, runners are required to be in their seeding pens by 05h15. Please allow for more than 1 hour travel time when traveling from Durban.
· Q: Can I leave my kit bag at the start?
· A. Yes. The demarcated area from Biddulphs is where you can leave your bag. Please make sure that this is handed in by no later than 05h00
· Q: Is there any other way of having my bag taken to the finish?
· A: Biddulphs will also be at the Comrades Expo and should you wish to drop off your bag at the expo with your change of clothes etc you may do so. This will help assist you in having one less thing to worry about on race day.
· Q: Will there be secure parking facilities at the start, for me to leave my vehicle there while I run?
· A: Unfortunately not, runners are encouraged to be dropped off at the start, or make use of transport provided from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
· Q: If I am a seeded runner how will I know where to go?
· A: All runners are seeded according to their qualifying time. The first letter on your race number indicates your seeding batch. There will be race officials at the start to assist you.
· Q: If I am seeded in batch “C” and start with batch “B” how will race organisers know I started in the wrong batch?
· A: There will be race officials on hand. You may start in a batch lower than the one indicated on your race number, but not in a higher batch, ie – your batch is indicated as C, and your friend’s batch is E. You may start with him in batch E, but he may not join you in batch C.
· Q: Can my wife and children / supporters see me off at the start?
· A: Unfortunately not, you will have to say your goodbyes before you get to the start area.
· Q. If I start the race wearing a tracksuit top, will I be able to give this to anyone on the route
should I need to discard it, in order for me to collect at the finish?
· A: No, we would not be able to offer such a facility. If you need to discard any item of clothing such as jerseys or tracksuit tops, you will have to donate this to a supporter on the side of the road.
· Q. Will I need money on the route to purchase food etc?
· A: No, refreshments in the form of food and beverages are provided at the refreshment stations.
If you want a 500g steak – sorry we can’t help you.
· Q. What food and beverages are provided on the route for runners?
· A: Available at the refreshment stations will be Pepsi and Water. We will also randomly serve Chocolates, Oranges, Bananas, Biscuits, and Cream Soda. Baby potatoes will be served at every 2nd refreshment station during the second half of the race.
· Q: Where do I get this food?
· A: The food and drinks will be handed out at the refreshment stations, which are situated between 2 and 3 kilometres apart.
· Q: Will there be enough water provided for drinking?
· A: Yes, water sachets will be handed out at refreshment stations. The water troughs are for storage of the water sachets.
Please do not dunk your head into these troughs. Please drink only from closed/sealed water sachets.
· Q: Will sponges be handed out for cooling down?
· A: No, due to hygienic and health reasons. Please make use of the water sachets for this purpose.
· Q: How many “cut-off” points are there on the route?
· A: Five (5)
· Q: How many timing mats are there on the route?
· A: Five (5)
· Q: Do I have to run over each timing mat?
· A: Yes, as this is how we record your official time. Secondly to help your family and loved ones track you on the route by smsing 38132. You will be disqualified if you miss a timing mat.
· Q: Are there toilet facilities on the route?
· A: Yes, these are situated near the refreshment stations.
· Q: If I bail/withdraw from the race do I have to let an official know?
A: Yes, or you will be reported as a missing person after the race, we advise you to get on the Bonitas Rescue Bus
Route ProfileComrades Route Description the 'up run'
The start for the up run is at sea level in the centre of the harbour city of Durban, and finishes in Pietermaritzburg at an altitude of 650 m. On the way runners encounter 5 major hills, popularly known as the "Big Five" which are briefly described in the following narrative, interspersed with other landmarks and points of interest.
Almost directly from the start outside the Durban Post Office, the ascent to Pietermaritzburg begins with a steady climb up Berea Road to the summit at Tollgate, where today there is neither toll nor gate. After a brief descent another climb takes the runners to 45th Cutting, so named after the British 45th Regiment of Foot ( Sherwood Foresters ) who constructed the cutting while stationed in Natal from 1843 to 1859. The first of the "Big Five" Cowies Hill is the next landmark of note.
COWIES HILL
Coming up from Durban, Cowies is encountered approximately 14 km from the start and is a moderately difficult climb rising about 137 m in the space of 1,5 km. Although this does not sound too difficult an obstacle so early in the race, the preceding 14 km is a relentless ascent, to an altitude of nearly 300 m at Westville, which warrants its inclusion in the "Big Five".
FIELDS HILL
After the descent from Cowies Hill and the easy flat section of Pinetown's Old Main Road, this hill (namely after an early pioneer) is approximately 22km from Durban and rises some 213m over a distance of 3km. It offers a foretaste of things to come.
BOTHA'S HILL
After breasting the crest of Field's Hill some respite is offered by an undulating but reasonably flat section to the village of Hillcrest. After a short descent from Hillcrest, Botha's Hill offers another challenge with a somewhat lesser altitude rise of some ± 150 m, and covering a distance of 2,4 km, but is nevertheless taxing. At the top of this hill lies a landmark well known to all veteran Comrades runners in the form of the boys of Kearsney College who have gathered in numbers outside the famous school's gates since the beginning of Comrade's long history, providing much appreciated support to the weary runners. Their vociferous and enthusiastic support together with refreshments and any other assistance needed has helped lift the flagging spirit of many a runner and encapsulates the school motto Carpe Diem.
In the 7 km stretch from the top of Botha's to the halfway mark, there is a fairly steep but short descent known as Alverstone, which is recognisable by the radio and TV transmitting mast clearly visible on the left.
At the end of the flat section after the sharp descent, runners encounter the Wall of Honour on the right hand side of the road, overlooking the Valley of 1000 Hills. This wall was created as a permanent landmark to honour the achievements of runners who have completed the epic journey between the two cities.
Just round the corner, through the cutting is Arthur's Seat a niche cut into the cutting wall, which legend tells us was the spot where the famous Arthur Newton, 5 times winner of the 1920's, used to sit for a breather while out running. Today runners are urged to pay homage to Mr. Newton with a greeting and a flower, which legend has it, ensures a great second half of the race.
A couple of 100 metres beyond this lies Drummond which marks halfway, and is immediately followed by the fourth "Big Five" hill, Inchanga.
INCHANGA
Immediately after reaching the welcome milestone of the halfway mark, runners are confronted with this monster. It winds relentlessly for 2,5 km and also rises some 150 m in altitude, but at this stage of the race seems far more difficult than the preceding hills.
The descent of some 2 km is more gentle and is a welcome relief. The bottom of the Inchanga descent is marked by Mayats Store on the right.
The route now follows a generally flat and slightly undulating landscape through the tiny villages of Cato Ridge and Camperdown and passing the Ethembeni School for Handicapped Children who line the route with enthusiastic support for the runners. Harrison Flats lies just before Cato Ridge and is an uninspiring flat section of approx 2,5 km, which to the leg-weary runner seems endless.
Approximately 19 km from Pietermaritzburg is the highest point on the route ( 870 m) at a point known as Umlaas Road. This point is unremarkable as is not reached by any noticeable hill, and is largely unnoticed by most runners. A landmark is a concrete water tower which is visible on the other side of the freeway which passes near the route on the right at that point.
POLLY SHORTTS
This is the ultimate in heartbreak hills. It lies in wait 80 km away from Durban and is often the make or break point for even the top contenders. The climb is 1,8 km in length with the summit at an altitude of 737 m, (a rise of nearly 100 m) and while this is 133 m less than the highest point on the course, it is a formidable obstacle to any runner with two back-to-back standard marathons behind him.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST ON THE ROUTE
45th CUTTING
This is named after the British 45th Regiment of Foot ( Sherwood Foresters) stationed in Natal between 1843 and 1859 and who constructed a cutting through the hill near the present Mayville and is situated approx. 8 km from Durban. On the up run this offers a moderately taxing ascent from the bottom of Mayville to the summit at 45th Cutting.
WALL OF HONOUR
This wall is situated near Drummond, the halfway point, overlooking the Valley of 1000 Hills and was created to serve as a permanent landmark to commemorate the achievement of Comrades runners who have completed the epic journey between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Runners may purchase a block upon which is mounted a plaque recording their name, and number.