“I did not push too hard at the Nedbank race and as the defending Om die Dam champion I am really looking forward to running on Saturday and also defending my title again,” said Makhele. “It will form part of my preparation for Comrades where I want to make history by breaking the record.” Makhele will undoubtedly be relieved to hear that the Comrades Marathon finish returns to Kingsmead cricket stadium where it previously finished, making the record a strong possibility.
Broodryk comes into Saturday’s event with extra motivation given that the race is run in her parents’ home town and the extra support from them on the route will hopefully spur her on to not only defending her title but also setting a new course record which she narrowly missed out on last year.
“I am looking forward to seeing them and my family members on the route and it’s a big highlight for me,” says Broodryk. “Ultimately besides defending my title I would love to come closer to the record than last year where I merely missed it.
After a 3rd place podium finish and first South African across the line in last years Comrades Marathon, Broodryk is looking forward to going even further in June. “The Nedbank 50km was a good indication of where my fitness currently is and I have recovered nicely from it for this weekend’s race. After the race I did a lot of passive recovery and I believe that it is now complete and this is the next stepping stone towards Comrades.”
The Nedbank running club will have over 70 athletes competing in the event on Saturday where a full club hospitality area will also be set up with product from it’s valuable sponsors on offer as well. Nedbank running club national team manager and former Comrades Marathon winner Nick Bester is looking forward to a good day of racing. “Jonas and Adele are in great shape and of course using this event towards their Comrades prep so we expect a good race from them,” said Bester. “The Om die Dam race is a brilliant event where many people can benefit from the route and altitude towards their Comrades training.”
