Latest news with #2025ComradesMarathon
IOL News
3 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Beyond the marathon: 5 Steps for a post-Comrades recovery
For many, the 2025 Comrades Marathon was a first attempt at the ultimate human race, while for others, the down-run was another medal to add to the Comrades tally. But for both first-time and seasoned competitors, the days following the Comrades will focus on recovery – with feet often taking centre stage. 'We'd like to congratulate all the participants in the 2025 Comrades Marathon – it was another exceptional display of the human spirit and the wonderful camaraderie that comes from such endurance competitions,' commented Lynsey Hammond, MD for Kroko, a leading South African footcare brand. It's important not to simply focus on footcare immediately after the race, but over time to ensure long-term care. It's important to incorporate regular exfoliation – usually once or twice a week – to prevent the buildup of hardened skin over time. Image: Supplied Neglecting proper recovery care can lead to chronic pain, prolonged fatigue, and even injuries that sideline runners for months. A structured recovery plan ensures: Faster muscle repair Reduced risk of overuse injuries Alleviation of pain and inflammation Better flexibility and range of motion Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage Psychological benefits and stress reduction Healthier feet for future races Hammond has shared 5 helpful post-Comrades recovery tips to stimulate healing and ensure long-term healthcare for runners. Once the race has been run, it's important to keep moving around gently directly afterwards to prevent stiffness while replenishing fluids. Ice baths for around 10 to 15 minutes are also proving to be an effective recovery tool, helping to reduce muscle inflammation. Hammond says elevating legs will also reduce swelling by improving circulation. In the days following the Comrades Marathon, runners are likely to experience some muscle pain and inflammation. Some light movement, such as short walks or swimming, is a great way to prevent stiffness, and an anti-inflammatory diet – turmeric, ginger, Omega 3s – is great for reducing inflammation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading It's also important to protect pressure points using a product like Kroko Corn Protectors to cushion sensitive areas during recovery walks. Finally, for stubborn cracks, administering a soothing product like Kroko HeelFix will provide intensive healing. Image: Supplied After running for some 90 kilometres, runners' feet are often blistered, swollen, and covered in calluses – thickened, hardened areas of skin as a result of constant friction. The first thing to do after the run is gently cleanse the feet with lukewarm water and mild soap to prevent infection. After drying thoroughly, it's best to moisturise, using a soothing product like Kroko's Heel Balm to heal cracked skin and replenish moisture. Blisters are quite common for long-distance runners, but it's important not to pop them. Rather, keep the area clean and cover any blisters with a bandage or dressing. If a blister bursts, gently wash the area, leave the skin in place, and cover it with a sterile dressing. For corns or calluses, use Kroko Medicated Corn Plaster, Kroko CornFix, or Kroko Corn and Callus remover for gradual healing.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Chasing dreams: Joseph Manyedi steps up on journey to Comrades Marathon podium
Joseph Manyedi, seen in action at the Two Oceans Marathon, is upbeat about his chances in the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied Maxed Elite Running Club star Joseph Manyedi will be chasing the dream in this year's Comrades Marathon down run on Sunday, hoping to take the giant step onto the podium after finishing fourth in last year's race. The Rustenburg-based road running ace fancies his chances after last year's personal best time of 5:28:33 saw him finish behind race winner Piet Wiersma of the Netherlands (5:25:00), Dan Moselakwe (5:25:45) and Degefa Yohannese Lafebo of Ethiopia (5:27:48). It was his fourth consecutive gold medal in eight races so far, and his best finish in The Ultimate Human Race. The four-time gold medallist, who has been a runner for more than 20 years, joined the Mr Price Sport-backed Maxed Elite Running Club from the Nedbank Running Club earlier this year. 'I feel strong and focused. Training has gone well, and mentally I'm in a good space. I'm excited to give it everything on race day,' Manyedi told Independent Media Sport exclusively. 'Preparations have been intense but structured. We've focused on both volume and quality to peak at the right time. Joseph Mayedi will be hoping to give his Maxed Elite Running Club a rare podium finish at the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Endurance has been a major focus this year, especially for the down run. But I've also worked hard on sharpening my speed in the final months leading up to the race. 'For the down run, I do more quad-strengthening workouts, long downhill sessions, and pacing control. The up run is more about hill strength and maintaining rhythm.' Manyedi gives a lot of credit to current coach Peter Gaebetse, whom he feels brings 'elite-level structure and experience to my programme'. 'His training has pushed me to a new level, and being guided by someone who understands Comrades inside out has made a huge difference.' The veteran runner showed his humility when asked how confident he is of winning the race, or where he expects the biggest challenge to come from. 'I'm confident in my preparation and experience. I know the course well and believe in my ability to execute a strong race plan. With God's grace, anything is possible,' he said. 'The field is always stacked with top talent and a few rising stars. But I focus more on my own race than my competitors.'
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
David Masondo's mission: Running the 2025 Comrades Marathon to support Early Childhood Development
Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo aims to raise R25 000 for Early Childhood Development for the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied As the countdown to the 2025 Comrades Marathon begins, Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo is preparing to run the 2025 Comrades Marathon in support of Early Childhood Development (ECD). With a commitment to raising both funds and awareness for ECD, Masondo is running under the banner of Community Chest Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Masondo, who is running his seventh Comrades this year, considers ECD a pivotal investment in the future of South Africa. 'The first few years of a child's life lay the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being. Yet, too many children in South Africa, particularly in underserved communities, lack access to quality ECD services,' he said. Having set an ambitious fundraising goal of R25 000, Masondo has just begun his campaign with an initial R300 already raised. He said all proceeds from this initiative will be directed towards educational, nutritional, and holistic care efforts for young children in under-resourced communities. Masondo stated that the Comrades Marathon is not just a test of stamina; it is also an opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that personal action can make a real difference, even in positions of national responsibility. 'Early Childhood Development is one of the most powerful investments we can make in the future of our country. The first few years of a child's life lay the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being. Yet, too many children in South Africa, particularly in underserved communities, lack access to quality ECD services,' he said. He believes that we can help break the cycle of poverty, improve educational outcomes, and build a more equitable society by raising awareness and supporting organisations that are working to address these issues. 'My decision to run this year's Comrades Marathon in support of ECD is my way of using this platform to shine a light on a critical area that often doesn't get the attention it deserves,' he said. In addition, Masondo stated that his Comrades' training is progressing well. 'This will be my seventh Comrades Marathon, so I know what to expect, but it is never easy. It requires consistency, mental focus, and a lot of early mornings.' The deputy minister said running for this cause keeps him motivated. 'Knowing that each step I take is helping to raise awareness and support for young children gives the journey even more meaning. I am looking forward to race day.' Gordon McDonald, executive director of the Community Chest, said the Comrades Marathon is a strong international brand and is ideally placed to highlight the plight of our vulnerable community members and the charities working to assist the poorest of the poor. McDonald said that it is an honour for Community Chest to have the deputy finance minister leading by example. 'Being in a position of responsibility to our nation, it is gratifying to note that he is also personally making a difference. With every step that he takes as he aims to complete 89.98km in the ultimate human race, he simultaneously cares for over 7 845 under-resourced children in KZN,' he said. According to McDonald, Masondo's fundraising endeavours will reach 65 ECD centres, supported by the Community Chest, in Pietermaritzburg and Durban. 'Every cent raised goes to help under-resourced children under the age of five, to ensure they receive the right nutrition, mental stimulation, and social and emotional development to prepare them for a successful future,' he said. McDonald thanked Masondo for "running with his heart" and supporting young children during the most crucial years of their development. 'His efforts will not only raise funds but increase the awareness of the work done by Community Chest to empower and enhance needy communities,' he said. The charity invited Comrades Marathon runners to join the deputy minister by signing up on Race4Charity for Community Chest. This year's down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on Sunday, June 8, will be slightly longer, covering 89.98km. Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo. Image: Supplied
