An unforgettable story

Viva Comrades, Viva South Africa

61 Countries. 90km. 20,000 runners. 1 Race - The Comrades Marathon.

Standing at the start as the last strains of Chariots of Fire fade away sends tingles of excitement mingled with trepidation down my spine. I’m surrounded by so many different people - old, young, large, small, talented, untalented, tall, short - yet all with one goal - to finish the race that means everything. Many have been called crazy to even try this. Many have been been warned of the dangers. Yet we stand together, determined but humble.

A loud boom signals the start, as we set out on the race of a lifetime.

From the sun rising on a new day to the burning heat of the midday sun, this brave cohort of runners marches on. Over hills and through valleys. Relentless. Determined. A Comrade from the past watches from the side. His race is now over, but his words of encouragement still making a difference.

Kilometres more. Sweat. Cramps. Nausea. Pain
An elderly white man stumbles. A loud thud as he hits the road. Immediately a young black runner is there to help him up. No thought of colour or talent. One race. One goal.

Kilometres more. Sweat. Cramps. Nausea. Pain.
Loud sounds of retching from a young coloured girl vomiting on the side of the road. Her race taken from her. A white lady stops. Fumbles in her pouch, and tenderly whispers to her, handing her something to give her hope. No thought of colour or talent. One race. One goal.

Kilometres more. Sweat. Cramps. Nausea. Pain.
Then there it is! The stadium. The spectators' cheers are deafening. My heart bursting with joy. Arm in arm we cross the finish line together - old, young, large, small, fit, unfit, tall, weak…61 Countries. 90km. 20,000 runners. 1 Race.

The commentator celebrates - Viva Comrades, Viva South Africa.

11 Languages. 9 Provinces. 50 million people. 1 country - South Africa.

Standing at the start as the last strains of N'Kosi Sikeleli fade away sends tingles of excitement mingled with trepidation down my spine. I’m surrounded by so many different people - old, young, black, white, able, disabled, rich, poor - yet all with one goal - to become the new South Africa that means everything. Many have been called crazy to even try this. Many have been warned of the dangers. Yet we stand together, determined but humble.

A loud cheer signals the start, as we set out on the journey of a lifetime.

From the sun rising on a new nation to the burning issues of a new democracy, this cohort of brave citizens marches on. Over troubles and through despair. Relentless. Determined. A comrade from the past watches from the side. His journey is now over, but his words of encouragement still making a difference.

Years more. Violence. Protests. Scandals. Crime.

A rich white businessman crashes his car. A loud smash as he hits the barrier. Immediately a young black student is there to help him out. No thought of race or status. One country. One goal.

Years more. Violence. Protests. Scandals. Crime

Loud sounds of wailing from a young coloured girl crying on the side of the road. Her purse stolen from her. A white lady stops. Fumbles in her bag, and tenderly whispers to her, handing her something to give her hope. No thought of race or status. One country. One goal.

Years more. Violence. Protests. Scandals. Crime

Then there it is! The dream. The worlds' cheers are deafening. My heart bursting with joy. Arm in arm we become the new South Africa together - old, young, black, white, able, disabled, rich, poor…11 Languages. 9 Provinces. 50 million people. 1 Country.
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The world celebrates - Viva comrades. Viva South Africa.

I wrote the above story after completing my 11th Comrades together with my wife who completed her 10th last year. This year we stood ,for the first time in 11 years, on the sidelines as supporters. However, one thing remained - witnessing the amazing spirit of comradeship in this epic race. Here's hoping we can foster this same spirit in our beautiful country South Africa.