15 hours ago
Roodies runner completes 30th Comrades
Finishing the Comrades Marathon is an achievement in itself, but Johan Breydenbach from Roodepoort Athletics Club has taken this feat to unprecedented heights, earning a remarkable 30th medal in this iconic ultra-marathon on Sunday, June 8.
The 60-year-old made his way to the finish line in an impressive time of 10:56:15, a full two hours before the 12-hour cut-off time.
Johan's Comrades journey began in 1985 when he was just 20 years old, running under the South African Police Services Athletics Club. He took a short break and joined the Roodepoort Athletics Club in 1999 and has since completed 24 consecutive Comrades Marathons.
Also read: Roodies host braai-send off for Comrades athletes
His dedication and hard work have earned him a permanent green number with three laurel leaves (one laurel for 10-19 finishes, two for 20-29, and three for 30 or more), symbolising his incredible achievements.
'Comrades is my passion, and it's a lifestyle that I have dedicated myself to,' Johan says. 'Anyone who runs and finishes the Comrades can tell you what an incredible feat it is to make it to the finish line. I'm thankful to God that at my age, I'm still able to use the talent and skills of running that He gave me.'
Receiving his permanent green number holds great significance to him, not just as a personal achievement but also as a family legacy. 'What's also special is that it can be used within the family, but I've told my grandkids that anyone who wishes to run with my number must be dedicated and needs to run 30 Comrades,' he shared.
With a personal best time of 09:45:00 and a collection of mostly bronze and platinum medals, his goal is to complete 35 comrades.
'I will thereafter decide if I want to continue or not.'
Johan's advice to novice runners is ,'You can do anything that you put your mind to.'
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