Latest news with #RisingSunChatsworthAthleticClub
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Medical student will spend 21st birthday today resting before the ultimate run
Arnav Dasrath, a third year medical student, celebrates his 21st birthday today and will tackle his first Comrades Marathon on Sunday. . Dasrath, of Shallcross, who is studying at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, said competing in the 89.9km race - from Pietermaritzburg to Durban - had been on his bucket list. 'The Comrades Marathon was something I have wanted to do since I was little. Two years ago, I started running as a hobby. However, watching last year's race and being inspired by the runners' positive attitudes cemented my decision to compete this year," said Dasrath. "I signed up for my first Comrades Marathon last November and started documenting my journey on Instagram to spread positivity and encourage others to start their own journeys.' He has participated in half marathons, full marathons and an ultra marathon to qualify for the Comrades Marathon. Dasrath, a member of the Rising Sun Chatsworth Athletic Club, said he was unsure what to expect. But he did not intend on putting too much pressure on himself. "I want to enjoy the support from my family, friends and spectators. I want to take it all in. I have worked hard to balance my studies and running, so the Comrades Marathon will be a chance to celebrate the work with those around me." He would like to finish in under 11 hours. 'However, as long as I have a medal around my neck, I will consider it a successful race. Running is a privilege, and I believe that while I am fit and healthy and able to do these things, I should. You are never too old or too young to start your journey." He will spend his birthday with his family at home - resting, preparing and planning for tomorrow's race. "However, on Sunday I will celebrate with everyone on the road. I can't wait." Dasrath will run for the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa. THE POST
IOL News
3 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Dr Sid Reddy, 70, takes each year as it comes
The 70-year-old member of the Rising Sun Chatsworth Athletic Club, said he trained throughout the year. 'I run throughout the year, at least five times a week. I am excited for the upcoming Comrades Marathon as it is a culmination of one's hard-work and dedication. I also hope to finish in a good time. My best time so far has been 10 hours and 21 minutes. But this year, I will be happy to finish in under 12 hours,' he said. 'When away from home, and as a youngster, you enjoy eating out. I became overweight. It came to a point that I decided I needed to lose weight. The best way I could think of was running. I also changed my eating habits. I started eating healthier foods and have maintained that eating lifestyle.' He said he ran his first Comrades Marathon at age 40. 'My goal after I ran my first Comrades Marathon was to complete 30 by the time I was 70 years old. Unfortunately, due to circumstances and the Covid-19 pandemic, I was not able to participate in some years. However, I completed my 25th Comrades Marathon in 2023. 'I was also unable to complete the Comrades Marathon last year as I was suffering with lower back pain and could not continue. I was just 7km from the finish. But it was not worth taking the risk."
IOL News
4 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Comrades Marathon: Merebank couple prepare to chase their dreams
AT SCHOOL Ishara Dhanraj could barely run a kilometer but since 2016, all that has changed. She has since completed four Tata Mumbai Marathons and on Sunday, Dhanraj and her husband, Ron Naidoo, will participate in the Comrades Marathon. This will be her fifth run and Naidoo's fourth. She completed two races and Naidoo three. "At this stage, my only aim is to complete the race," said Dhanraj, 51, a sales consultant from Merebank. The couple are members of the Rising Sun Chatsworth Athletic Club. She said she initially started early morning runs alone back in 2016. "I used to get up at around 4.30am and run around the area, the promenade or at the Bluff. I eventually convinced Ron to join me and we subsequently joined the athletic club. "As a child, I enjoyed watching the Comrades Marathon on TV and always aspired to enter. I ran my first race in 2016 in memory of my late father, Dhanraj Sankarparsad. I did not finish the race because I was not fully-prepared. I did not know what to expect but I refused to give up. I returned and completed the Comrades Marathons in 2022 and 2023. "Last year, I could not finish due to a knee injury at the 57 km mark. But here I am again, ready to take on another year." She has also completed four 42.2km Tata Mumbai Marathons - in 2018, 2020, 2022 and in January this year. "I ran the first race in 2018 alone and Ron thereafter joined me. I love that race because the atmosphere is mind-blowing. After every 4km, there is a live band playing along the roadside to spur you on. For every race completed you get a double medal - one for finishing and the other is an inspiration medal. "The Comrades Marathon presents a new challenge. It's a gruelling 89km. Running this race is a mind game. You need to be mentally strong and tough. That is where the challenge lies." Naidoo, 56, said: "I used to gym but Ishara eventually convinced me to join her on her runs, which progressed to the Comrades Marathon. My first Comrades was in 2022 and I completed all three since then. My best time was in 2023. I completed the race in 11 hours and 22 minutes. This Sunday, I hope to finish the race in under 11 hours." He said with a few days left to the ultra event, they were carbo loading on pastas and potatoes. "This week, there are no long runs. We can walk about but we are saving our legs for race day." Naidoo said their friends will be cheering them. THE POST
