Physical strength, endurance, determination, and mental resilience are all key ingredients to cross the finish line after gruelling hours on the tar road, not to forget endless hours of preparation.
Sadrick Grootboom (42), Land and Property Administration manager at Kouga Municipality recently completed his third Comrades Marathon in a time of seven hours and 51 minutes, a personal best.
The 2023 Comrades Marathon, also known as the ultimate human race, saw Grootboom and more than 16 000 other runners from across the world, run 87.7km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, with almost 15 000 runners completing the race.
According to Grootboom, running is an integral part of his life.
“With each stride, I am inspired to dream even bigger,” he said.
The beginning
Inspired by his older brother, a talented long-distance runner and Eastern Province representative, Grootboom first started running at the age of nine when he was a learner at Thornhill Primary School.
However, it was not only his brother’s accomplishments that ignited his passion to put on his running shoes and hit the tar, but also his impatience.
“I regularly had to go to the nearest shop that was four kilometres away to buy alternative milk products and other necessities for my younger brother, who was ill at that time and who passed on while still a toddler,” said Grootboom.
“I found it extremely frustrating to walk as it took very long. So, I would run to shorten the time.
“Little did I know that this would lead me down a path where running would become much more than a means of transportation, but rather a lifelong passion.
It started as a hobby
Grootboom started to run as a hobby, and after his father gave him a watch he would time himself every time he would go to the shop.
“It was all fun and games,” he said.
“Every time I ran to the shop, I would try to improve on my previous time.”
In Grade 6 he participated at inter-house and inter-school events, and ran competitively throughout his high school and university years.
During his tenure at the former University of Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela University), Grootboom participated in track and field, cross-country, and road running, representing EP in track and field, and cross country.
Comrades Marathon
In 2019 he completed his first Two Oceans Marathon, followed by his first Comrades Marathon. To date he boasts three completed Comrades Marathons.
According to Grootboom, it takes him six months to prepare for the Comrades Marathon, using a day-to-day training programme which incorporates strength training twice a week.
“I also prepare mentally to harness a positive mindset,” he said. “I furthermore put energy gels and drinks to the test during preparation to determine which products I would use on race day.”
“Apart from the gruelling terrain with countless up- and downhills, the most difficult part is when your body does not want to continue anymore, but there are still several kilometres between you and the finish line,” he said, when asked about the most difficult part of the Comrades Marathon.
“There is a constant battle between your mind, body, and soul as you fight your way to the finish line. However, when you cross that line, you experience a feeling of growth and victory.
“A nice hot bath does wonders for a tired and sore body, while a good rest of at least three weeks is much needed.”
He said he dedicates each race to his family and all the people who are close to him.
“The fact that there are people who support me and who believe in me, keeps me motivated.”
The future
Grootboom’s goal is to complete the Comrades Marathon in less than seven hours, which he believes is possible by remaining focused and healthy. He also would like to plough back into the community, by assisting and developing the youth who are interested in running.
He will compete in the Amsterdam Marathon in the Netherlands in October this year.
