Page 8 - FWG_Issue 9_2022

Estate News

FOURWAYS ROAD RUNNERS TAKE ON

THE ULTIMATE HUMAN RACE

B Y ROB YN POR TEOUS
2022. The year of Sishay’ Ibuya. The Return. And what a return it was.

hile the Comrades Marathon took place a lot later in Dawie Meyer was the first of the Fourways Road Runners in the
the year than we’re used to (with many more winter men’s section to finish, coming in with a blistering 06:52, which
training runs than we’d have liked), it was truly gave him enough time to clean up and settle into the Club’s suite at
Wincredible to have the ultra-highlight of the road the stadium to watch the rest of the runners come in. Moses Marwa
running calendar take place once more! and Vincent Manzere, the Fourways Road Runners’ Development
Runners, weren’t too far behind with Moses coming in at an
The 28th of August saw 13 213 runners set off from impressive 07:27 and Vincent at 08:25.
Pietermaritzburg with the hope of crossing the finish line in Moses
Mabhida Stadium before 12 hours were up. Out of those, 11 709 Our first woman runner was Vanjee Smith, who crossed the finish
runners were rewarded for their efforts with an official race time line in an incredible time of 09:04. From there, a steady stream of
and a much-coveted medal (along with plenty aches and pains). Fourways Road Runners crossed the finish line, each with a huge
And unsurprisingly, a number of Fourways Road Runners took grin on their face, before they wobbled their way up to the Club’s
part! suite where cheers, congratulations, and a cold beer awaited them!

At Fourways Road Runners, we consider ourselves to be a Running Richard Letcher, the only Fourways Road Runner running for
Club that consists of all sorts: runners, walkers, trail runners, the Green Number this year (which is obtained after successfully
social members, beginners, seasoned athletes, and everyone in finishing 10 Comrades races), had this to say about race day: “What
between. And whatever the event, whether it’s a Thursday time an amazing run and epic day. The months of hard work made this
trial winding up and down the roads of Fourways Gardens, or achievement so worthwhile in the end. Love this Fourways Club
lining up to tackle 90km, one thing always remains the same: that is so full of special individuals.”
the comradery, support, and encouragement that we give all our
runners is simply second to none. Fourways Gardens resident, and the official Comrades coach, Lindsay
Parry, who also coached the first South African lady across the line,
This year, Fourways Road Runners had a total of 75 entries with an wrote the following about the historic day: “The 28th of August marked
impressive 54 finishers. Of the finishers, we had two Silvers, 11 Bill an historic day in all our lives; whether it was your first Comrades, your
Rowans, 16 Robert Mtshalis, 16 Bronze, and 9 Vic Claphams. We first Down Run, or your 10th. And while many question on the day why
also had 13 novices finish their first run, and three runners who they’re doing it, facing highs and lows on the road (and often, the side
completed their long-awaited Back-to-Back run. of the road), it’s always a day you will never forget.”

Fourways Gardens • 6 • October 2022