Conquer The COMRADES

 Once described by former Runner’s World US editor Amby Burfoot as ‘The Greatest Footrace in the World’, the mighty Comrades Marathon is all set to take place for the 96th time on 11 June. Here’s your game plan for success.

- MIKE FINCH

CHAMPION TALKING 

Comrades champion Camille Herron is one of the world’s greatest endurance athletes. Here’s some of the stu she’s learned along the way to help you on race day.

THOUGH HER NAME MIGHT NOT APPEAR IN LIGHTS AS MUCH AS OTHERS, CAMILLE HERRON IS ARGUABLY AMERICA’S BEST DISTANCE RUNNER. The 41-year-old currently holds numerous world and American records (fastest 50 miles, 100 miles, 12 hours and 24 hours). In 2017, she became only the second American woman, after Ann Trason, to win Comrades.

When she’s not running, Herron – who received a masters in exercise and sports science from Oregon State University in 2007 – works part-time as a research assistant in bone imaging at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Centre, and also serves as secretary of the USA Track & Field Women’s Long Distance Running Committee.

Here, Herron shares with Runner’s World some of her ultra secrets to help you conquer The Big C.

HOW HAS YOUR TRAINING EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS? 

I’ve learned how to structure and balance my training. Early in my ultra career, I tried to increase mileage and long runs; but that didn’t feel good. So I turned back to more typical marathon training. My normal long runs are 21 to 26km, and I do most of my training on roads, which keeps my legs strong and snappy.

ULTRAMARATHON RUNNERS ARE KNOWN FOR SOME UNUSUAL RACE FOOD. WHAT’S YOUR CHOICE?

During races, I’ll have a gel with water every 30 minutes, and sips of a sports drink in between. I switch up gel flavours and drinks, including Coke and ginger beer. I’ll even drink some real beer, as a nice treat!