Firefighters tackle the ‘fiery’ Comrades Marathon
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) is proud of its staff members who participated in the 2016 Comrades Marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi said eight firefighters managed to finish the race.
“A young female firefighter Enie Molatseli was top of the class as she finished first before all the others.
“She managed to clock 7 hours and 36 minutes – just six minutes outside the silver medal cut off,” said Ntladi.
He said Molatseli ran her fifth Comrades Marathon and that every time, her overall finish time keeps improving.
Three of the emergency services runners were novices, two others were running for the second time while Molatseli and Darius Ndlamlendze ran their fifth Comrades race.
Veteran Michael van der Mescht ran his ninth race.
“Unfortunately, he couldn’t finish the race due to muscle cramps experienced in the last 30km to go,” said Ntladi.
Senior DEMS district manager Willem Weideman, who also took part in the race, said ultra-marathons need focus, enough preparatory time, physical fitness and agility, and mental strength as well.
Molatseli said, “In general, the team would like to see more firefighters participating in ultra-marathons not only the Comrades.
“I will be happy to see other female runners from DEMS participating as well.”
