The Rhodes Marathon – 4 Secunda runners finish!
It is with fond memories that I read the article in the Bulletin (15 July 2016), describing how 4 Secunda runners (Jolene Carstens, Wilma Jordaan and Bradley and Marion Davies lived through this toughest of tough tests. It was no surprise to learn that the runners would not return – this is not only a race that tests the endurance of the human body- but also the human spirit. I will also not be surprised if they decide later that they will do it again – there seems to be a mystical addiction to this torture!
The area is breathtaking and the altitude alone stretches athletes to their limits, add the cold and the challenging mountain trail and you have a recipe for only the hardiest of runners.
I lived there for 13 years and was mostly involved with the Friday evening welcoming dinner – at that stage provided by the Rhodes Christian School (that has subsequently closed down).
Memories of these dinners stretch back to disastrous years when parents’ vehicles overturned on icy roads and they had to turn back (with all the prepared food splashed against the UV’s ceilings!).
Some years afforded fewer natural disasters and the weather was more bearable, but there were years with such heavy snowing and foul weather that the trail had to be shortened.
The comeraderie among the runners was something to behold; they were always friendly and dignified even in the harshest of situations. The pit stops became legendary and the mountain oysters or sheep testicles in a sauce is simply a must for all athletes. The legendary Dave Walker and Fasie and Maggie Murray man this and encourage exhausted runners.
Congratulations to each and every athlete who finishes!
Be still and hear; a man (woman) is passing by!