(From left) Plett Athletics Club chairperson Vicki Meggersee and members Patrick Sassin, Lisa Behrens and Dave Barnes completed the 2016 Comrades Marathon successfully. Photo: Supplied
Plettenberg Bay was well represented during the 2016 Comrades Marathon between Pietermaritzburg and Durban recently, with all local runners completing the gruelling 89.2km in less than 12 hours.
Chairperson of the Plett Athletics Club, Vicki Meggersee said this year six members participated in the ultramarathon.
Eric Nangu, the club’s fastest runner, managed to complete the race in an impressive seven hours and 43 minutes. The club’s development initiative sponsored Nangu’s trip.
“As a club we are keen to support local talent and have a commitment to help runners achieve their potential.”
Dave Barnes, a strong local trail runner who competed in the Addo Ultra Trail Run and the inaugural Tsitsikamma Ultra Trail Run this year, completed the Comrades for the first time. It was a “bucket list item” for the athlete, who not only enjoyed the race but also managed a good time of nine hours and 52 minutes.
Lisa Behrens, who frequently secures podium finishes at events on the athletics SWD calendar, also participated.
After rigorously following Comrades coach Lindsy Perry’s training programme, Behrens finished smiling in a time of 10 hours and 15 minutes.
Behrens said she planned on returning next year for her “back-to-back” medal that runners receive for completing their first two Comrades events consecutively.
Cape St Francis resident Jacky Scholtz, who often joins Plett runners when in the area and runs in Plett colours, completed the epic road race in 10 hours and 26 minutes. Following closely on Scholtz’s heals was Patrick Sassin, the club’s most experienced Comrades runner, who completed his 17th event.
Sassin, who finished in 10 hours and 36 minutes, plans to return next year as he works towards the prestigious Green Number awarded to those who complete 20 Comrades runs.
Meggersee, who started running four years, ago also participated and successfully completed her second Comrades. She did it in 11 hours and 49 minutes.
“I also followed the Lindsay Perry training programme and had a strong, well-planned and executed race,” Meggersee said.
She added that she was planning on also running the Cape Town City Marathon in September this year.
