JEPPE Athletics

After all these years on the road, the basics of running Comrades have never changed.  One of those basics is to break the race up into bite-size chunks.  Tackling 87,6 kms is daunting.  It is a lot easier, mentally, to run sections of 10-24 kms.  Our newer runners and novices should find this guide useful in planning their assault on the greatest road race in the world.

Start to Top of Fields Hill – 0-24 kms

Without wanting to put dread into the hearts of the novices, it is this section of the Comrades Marathon, up or down, that has earned total and complete respect from the runners.  Treat it accordingly and tread ever so softly over these first 24 kms.  There are hills in this section that don’t even have names and yet they can be put into the ‘mountain’ classification.  The climb culminates in the mighty 3 kms of Fields Hill, and this especially should be taken nice and easy.  Do not let yourself get too far behind schedule, but be assured that only the reckless and foolhardy will be ahead of schedule.  Minutes gained early could lead to disaster later on, so exercise extreme caution and aim at the top of Fields Hill with your eyes wide open and your foot on the brake pedal!

Top of Fields Hill to Hillcrest – 24-33 kms

At the top of Fields you can relax and run a little harder.  Don’t try and get back the minutes you would have planned to give away earlier, but run on schedule.  This section of the course is, however, deceptive.  By comparison with the climb to the top of Fields Hill, it is easy, but don’t be fooled – it’s still a steady climb all the way.  I do believe though that you can consider this section as a bit of a respite.  You’ll look forward to, and enjoy, the crowds at Winston Park fly-over and in Hillcrest.  Use the crowds to relax – give them your tension.

Hillcrest to Drummond – 34-43 kms

As they say in the classics: “you’re not out of the woods yet,” and as you trundle down to Botha’s Hill, you had better believe it!  Botha’s is steep and very demanding.  After Botha’s you drop down again only to climb (of course) the back of Alverston (you’ll see the FM tower).  Another descent and then another short climb before you go down to the halfway mark.  This is beautiful running country so enjoy it.  Don’t forget to say good morning to Arthur (Newton) at Arthur’s seat.

Drummond to Umlaas Road – 44-68 kms

Facing you immediately after the halfway mark is one of the most revered hills in road running – the mighty Inchanga.  On your way up this hill look out for the Indian man that is painted on the rock at the side of the cliff.  He is the emblem of the Natal Canoe Club and when you see him you’ll know you’re near the top!  Once at the top you can breathe a great sigh of relief, and if you’re feeling reasonable you can afford to relax a little and enjoy the trip to Umlaas Road (the highest point).  Make no mistake though, it’s still hard work (remember this is the up-run), but this section is certainly not as demanding as the previous sections.  Harrison Flats are not actually flat but there are no vicious hills in your way.  There are, however, many little hills with no names.  Collectively they catch you and drain you but there’s nothing in this section to really hurt you except for the hill outside Camperdown.  Cato Ridge and Camperdown are both milestones with fantastic crowd support so enjoy them.

Umlaas Road to Top of Polly Shortts –69-80kms

This is without doubt the most important psychological section of the race.  You’re at the famous 70 km mark and as they say: “this is where the race starts.”  There is quite a drop down from Umlaas Road that, on very tired legs, can be as bad as an uphill.  Novices, don’t be fooled by ‘Little Polly’s’ – remember that the real thing comes at the 78 km mark.  Polly’s is not really such a bad hill – it’s just where it is that makes it so hard.  Make up your mind now that you’re going to slog your way up it, come hell or high water.  Whatever time you are running for – be it a silver, a Bill Rowan, or just to beat the gun, it will be greatly influenced by how well you run this section.

Polly Shortts to Finish – 80-87 kms

If only we could really enjoy these kilometres … if only!!  Genuinely the easiest section of the entire race.  There are, however, some bumps that hurt.  The climb to the motorway at ‘5 kms to go’ is hell but after that just put your head down and go for it.  Remember time and again to ask yourself that famous question: “how badly do I want this?”  I wish you all a great run and may all your dreams come true.

By BARRY HOLLAND