Durban North resident laces up for debut Comrades Marathon
WITH under six weeks of preparation to go, excitement is building for Aaron Biggar who is taking on his first Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 8.
The 30-year-old qualified for 'The Ultimate Human Race', as the marathon is officially referred to, at last year's Cape Town Marathon.
The Durban North resident says his objective for his Comrades debut is to just 'finish and have fun'.
'They say your first one is always your PB (personal best) and my objective is definitely to finish. I don't want to go in there and thrash it out. I want to dance at almost every water station. I want to have a good time. If you've seen me run I'm not someone who keeps quiet, I expel a lot of energy and I plan to do that with the crowd. You won't need to find me on the course, you'll hear me before you see me,' he said.
Also read: Comrades Marathon confirms new finish venue, official race distance
Biggar, who comes from a sporting background, explained how his journey started.
'I first started off with Park Run. That's where my passion for running came about. That transitioned to being named the captain of Adidas Runners and then me entering the Comrades Marathon. I think the Comrades is the ultimate representation of Durban. I turned 30 this year and some of my family members have run the marathon, that has all led me to enter this year,' he said.
Biggar will be supported by his wife and his family along the route and said he will feed off their support along the route.
'I've done a few route testers and I know it is going to be a painful race. However, I'm confident in my training and all the mileage I've covered. I know I will get more energised seeing family members along the route. I need that energy to carry me to the end. With it being a Down Run, I know where all my Durban people will be and I will start to see familiar faces at the point where I need them the most. The other motivation is I will be running home in familiar conditions,' he said.
Also read: Comrades Marathon to introduce two race starts
While he is yet to complete his first, Biggar has already set his sights on getting his back-to-back Comrades medal and has mentioned 2027 which will be the 100th running of the Comrades Marathon.
Fun on the run
What is your earliest Comrades memory?
'In terms of memory, it would be watching it on television with my parents. They always watched it. In person it was cheering on runners at 45th Cutting and then with the Adidas Runners group, we had an informal cheer zone where we interacted with and encouraged runners to the point where I said to myself 'I have to be a part of this someday'.'
What is the worst thing to shout out to a runner in an ultra-distance marathon?
'It might be 'how are you feeling?' when you're close to the end of a race. You know the person is in pain. Personally I'd much prefer a clap or 'keep it up' or 'keep going'.'
What is an essential food item you like to eat on a long distance run?
'This is something I've asked my wife to bring me at the 50km mark. An Afros Chicken meal with strips and chips and lemon and herb sauce. I will probably take a few minutes to eat it and then get going again.'
What tips would you offer to long-distance runners?
'One thing I've learnt is that mileage on the legs is important. Especially with these long ultra-marathons, you need to do consistent mileage. Yes you can add up all your short runs and they are beneficial, but nothing prepares you better than doing long distance runs.'
Why the Comrades Marathon?
'My grandfather Peter and my uncles have attempted the Comrades so I'm inspired by my family. There is also talk of creating a legacy with my two younger brothers who want to run the Comrades Marathon in the future with me which would be something special.'
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