Durban - A 70-year-old Durban runner will join an elite club when he attempts his 40th consecutive Comrades Marathon on Sunday.
Sunshine Sports Club runner, Tommy Neitski, told the Daily News on Friday morning that he has kept turning out for the race because “each time I thought I could do better”.
“It’s actually one a year – not a very big ask,” he quipped.
This time around the Sydenham resident said he would tackle the down run with his eye on a sub 11-hour finish and a bronze medal. This is somewhat off the pace he set in the 1986 down run when he managed a personal best of 6h45min.
“I’ll be taking it easy and see how it goes from there, but under 11 would be good.”
Neitski who in his heyday played semi-pro football for Manning Rangers, said when it came to running he concentrated on the Comrades.
The fascination with the big race has rubbed off on his family, with son Charlton and daughter Maxine each completing a single race. Wife Marlene however confines her Comrades involvement to being his main supporter.
Neitski, a father of four who worked in the building industry until his retirement, explained the enduring love-hate he has for the race and the preparation it requires: “It’s great to get your determination. One time I train is when I don’t feel like it – all the time.”