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From reluctant runner to Comrades finisher: Marina Lues earns Vic Clapham Medal
What began as a simple goal to get fit in 2015 has turned into a remarkable personal journey for Marina Lues, who recently completed one of the world's toughest ultra-marathons.
On June 8, the Alberton resident crossed the finish line of the Comrades Marathon in 11:57:20, proudly earning the Vic Clapham Medal awarded to runners who finish between 11 and 12 hours.
'I never liked running,' Marina admits with a smile. 'I just wanted to walk every day to stay healthy.'
But step by step, Marina moved beyond her comfort zone. She ran her first 5km without stopping, progressed to 9km, and eventually completed a half marathon in 2:30.
That's when the bug bit, or as she puts it, 'Die gogga het gebyt. I was hooked.'
A journey of determination
Completing the Comrades Marathon didn't happen overnight. It took Marina four attempts to qualify.
After two heartbreaks in 2017 and 2019, where she didn't finish, she finally crossed the line in 2022, finishing the down run in 11:52.
She followed it up in 2023 with another strong showing on the up run, 11:54.
This year marked her third consecutive finish.
Qualifying for Comrades is no small feat. Runners must complete a standard marathon in under 4:49.
For Marina, one race has become her go-to event.
'There are too many marathons to mention, but my favourite one is Johnson Crane Marathon. I always run this one as my qualifying race. My best time there was 4:36,' she shared.
The long road to the finish
Marina trains year-round with her focused Comrades preparations kicking off in January.
She runs four times a week, starting as early as 04:00, with long runs on Saturdays, and two strength sessions per week.
Sundays are her only rest days.
'My husband is my biggest supporter. Rain or shine, he's out on the road with me, even now, with his foot injury, he cycles while I run,' she said.
Although Comrades is more than double the distance of a marathon, Marina says it feels different.
'Running Comrades is actually much easier than a normal marathon because your pace is much slower, even though it's much, much further.'
This year's run began well, and for the first 60km, she was on pace to beat her previous time by seven minutes. But then the familiar pain set in.
'My feet started hurting badly, and I had to keep moving my toes, which eventually affected my knees. It was rough,' she said.
With just 5km to go and time running out, Marina dug deep.
'I was sore and tired, but I just told myself I'd deal with the painlater. I wasn't going to give up.'
Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment. 'It's the most amazing feeling. I always cry. This race shows me that if I can finish Comrades, I can do anything.'
More than a runner
Marina balances her training with a full-time role at Stepping Stone Hospice, where she works in accounts and reception, liaising with medical aids and managing administrative tasks.
She has been part of the team since March 2018.
Though she doesn't work directly with patients, the nature of the environment can still be emotionally exhausting.
'Running is like therapy for me. In that time, I can switch off and not think about anything else.'
She credits her colleagues, many of whom are tired of hearing her running stories, for being incredibly supportive.
Some of the patients at the hospice, she added, were also Comrades runners once and this is a poignant reminder of how much strength and life stories are shared in both running and care work.
Looking ahead
Marina isn't chasing records or podiums, she runs for the love of it.
'I'm not a serious runner like the elites. I just do it for fun. Comrades is tough, but also fun, and if you're able, I think everyone should try it at least once.'
Marina runs for 32GI, a running club that has also supported her journey.
While she has no interest in other ultra-marathons, she has set her sights on a special goal of earning her green number, awarded after completing 10 Comrades Marathons.
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