With the Comrades Marathon cancelled for the 2nd year running due to the Covid19 pandemic, Nedbank runners from around the World took to the streets to run various distances and be part of the Comrades Marathon Centenary Hope Challenge.
Leading the way, the fastest, and from the other side of the World was Comrades Marathon champion and record holder Gerda Steyn who is in Italy, preparing for the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games where she will compete in the marathon, together with Nedbank RC teammate Irvette Van Zyl.
Steyn competed in the Giulietta e Romeo half-marathon in Verona, in very hot and humid conditions which simulate the conditions she will face in Tokyo. Steyn placed 4th in a time of 1:13:28. “I am not really satisfied with the time I ran however it was really great experience ahead of Tokyo so I take this race as a good workout,” said Steyn. “Now I will return back to the mountains as I prepare for Tokyo but I really hope to return to this race in Verona as it was such a great event.”
In South Africa, Comrades Marathon champion Edward Mothibi also got his run in and different Nedbank running clubs hosted athletes taking part of the Comrades Marathon celebrations. Nedbank running club SWD and Central Gauteng both hosted events but it was the Nedbank running club Gauteng North that really shone through at the CBC Old Boys Memorial Club with 46 athletes not only running, but raising charity for the Bramley Children’s home.
8 kids and 2 supervisors from the home assisted at the 3 water points and money obtained from the entry fees were donated to the home. Thanks to the awesome Nedbank RC sponsors, FutureLife porridge was also donated, and the club looks to do more to assist the home.
Sponsors FutureLife, Bavariaza, Biogen and Thirsti water made it possible for the run to happen, generously providing support on the day. Thirsti Water was on all tables and Bavariaza, Biogen and FutureLife provided drinks and porridge at the finish line for everyone that was involved.
Elite athletes from the Nedbank running club green dream team were also in attendance such as Malusi Dlomo, Juan Van Deventer, Charlene Archer and Stella Marais. Peformance of the day goes to Ipeleng Khunou who is dubbed as the crutch runner. Khunou took on the 10km and is currently preparing to take on the Amsterdam Marathon later this year.
The Nedbank running club thanks all our sponsors who we value so much, always providing the best of the best to our athletes.