Tunbridge Wells Harriers Derek Harrison and Guy Gracey took part in the Comrades Marathon in South Africa on Sunday 15th June. The infamous race is one of the toughest Ultra marathons in the World, 
starting in Durban and finishing in Pietermaritzburg 89km (56 miles) away. Having undergone extensive training and preparation, both men put in fantastic runs in challenging hot weather, with Harrison finishing in 8 hours 53 mins - exactly the same time as he did in 2006, and first timer Gracey delighted with a sub 11 hour run in 10 hours 42 mins.
In the run up...
Tunbridge Wells Harriers Guy Gracey and Derek Harrison will be competing in the Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa on Sunday. The race is one of the toughest Ultra marathons in the World starting in Durban and finishing in Pietermaritzburg 89km (56 miles) away.
The race organisers alternate the start and finish locations each year and consequently the course is fondly known as being either 'up' or 'down' hill. The route this year is the 'up' route making it a tough, hilly challenge for newcomer Gracey. Harrison on the other hand is making his 2nd appearance at Comrades after finishing in a stunning time of 8 hours 53 minutes in 2006 - a time he hopes to beat. Both men have undertaken some serious training for the event having taken part in the London Marathon, various other Ultra distance events and running up to 100 miles a week.
The race is steeped in history having first been held in 1921 to commemorate those who lost their lives in World War I and has become known as a celebration of the triumph of mankind's spirit.
Whilst Harrison is gunning for a sub 9 hour time, Gracey is keen just to finish, 'The sting in the tail is that runners have a maximum of 12 hours in which to complete the race' he said. 'Anyone not crossing the line within the allotted time is not recorded and does not receive a medal or any recognition. My target it to complete inside the cut off time and enjoy my experience of this amazing event'.
We wish them both the very best of luck!
