Johan aiming for Comrades
Johan is aiming to compete in his first Comrades Marathon
Caxton West Rand’s very own Johan Niemand will compete in his very first Comrades Marathon taking place on 31 May.
The IT technician has long been dreaming of participating in the marathon.
Johan has competed in numerous marathons including the Soweto Marathon in 1999 and 2014, and the 52 km City to City Marathon in 2006.
“To finish the Comrades Marathon is the highest goal most runners want to reach in South Africa. Although most who have done it say they would never do it again but the following year you will see them at the start, ready to go again,” he said.
The running bug bit Johan back in high school when he first started in the sport and excelled in it which made him want to compete even more.
“Running is not like a team sport where there are other individuals to depend on. In running you only have yourself and I enjoy that about the sport. Running is a form of escape for me. It’s just you and the road,” said Johan. What inspires Johan to take to the field is the passion and drive runners show on the road.
“To see the camaraderie between runners is very inspiring. You would see one runner trying to help a struggling runner and give each other hope to carry on and finish,” he said.
In the individual sport, runners have to compete in qualifying races to compete in events such as the Comrades or Two Oceans Marathon.
“Running is one of the few sports where as an amateur you can be in the same field with the elite runners. You cannot say the same about rugby, cricket or soccer where you can only dream of bowling to a national player. In running, all you have to do is qualify. I know some amateurs who’ve had the privilege of being on the same road with Bruce Fordyce for example,” said Johan.
He has participated in the Central Gauteng Athletics 10-15km night races and the Florida Flat One.
He prepares for marathons within an 18 week period. He runs 25 km a week and does a 15 or 21 km long run. In the 8th week of preperations, he runs 21,1 km and a full marathon in the 15th week.
“This will be my first Comrades but I have an idea of what to expect. It is physically and mentally very draining but I will be prepared. I am very excited about the challenge,” said Johan.
