To run the ultimate human race is one thing but to complete it about 19 times? Now that is special.
Worcester had a couple of avid runners take part in the annual Comrades Marathon which took place on 28 August in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
Two locals, Noël Lakay and Marshall Fransman, completed their 18th and 19th race respectively.
A fortnight after the race and the two Worcesterites are still beaming with pride when speaking about the race, and for both of them being part of the ultimate human race has been a dream come true.
It was 2001 when Fransman or “Mr Lovely” as he is known among his runner friends ran his first comrades and remembers vividly he completed it in 8:48 minutes.
“It wasn’t easy but I believed in myself,” he said, a big smile on his face.
Unlike most people he did not ease into marathon running, for he started his first big race with the Two Oceans Marathon.
According to Fransman, he was 32 years old when he ran his first marathon, and from there he has been on an upward trajectory.
In the 19 years he has been participating in the race he has brought seven medals home.
In this years’ race he received a titanium medal- which is between silver and bronze as he completed the race in 10 hours.
Providing more insight on the race Fransman shares that once the 10-marathon mark is reached the runner receives a permanent number that they use for all Comrades Marathons from then on.
Runners also receive crowns for every 10 marathons they complete.
“Next year I want to get my second crown,” Fransman said.
He said the race had taught him a lot about himself and showed him how strong he is. The last 30 km, which is downhill, is usually the most difficult. But for Fransman it is his favourite part of the race.
“The last bit of the race is where the most focus and planning is needed. It is in the last part of the race where I feel I have worked the hardest for the medal I would receive that day.”
Though all races are special, the one that resonated with him the most was in 2018, when he dedicated it to his uncle who had been diagnosed with cancer.
“That race was extra special because he passed away two weeks later.”
Fransman’s disabled son is also his biggest inspiration.
The man who is known for spreading his fingers and big smiles when he crosses the finish line said he is looking forward running his 20th Comrades Marathon next year.
For Lakay, running the Comrades has always been about discipline and maintaining his fitness levels.
As he had been in the army, running became a big part of his life and “became a passion.”
Lakay’s first Comrades was back in 1994.
“The race tests you a lot, and you keep on going back because there is something in you that keeps on telling you to go back to do better each time.”
Unlike his fellow runner, Lakay is part of Brandvlei Correctional Services running club and there he is able to prepare for such races in a group.
“I am striving for 20 Comrades Marathons for now,” he added.
