Tears Of Joy

Ultra-marathon star Ann Ashworth reveals what it took to win the women’s race at the comrades marathon.

- Doug Carew

WAS I CONFIDENT I WOULD WIN THE COMRADES?

Yes and no. On the one hand, I had undertaken serious training in the build-up to the race – my body was as lean and strong as it could be. But on the other hand, there were factors I feared had the potential to end my Comrades dream. Three weeks beforehand, I had been diagnosed with severe anaemia; and with only two weeks left to go, I picked up a stomach bug that lasted five days.

The Comrades is an integral part of South African running culture – it’s the ultimate human race. I planned to run it since I was a child, and achieving a gold medal was my ultimate dream.

I ’ve never been particularly fast, because I have the build of an endurance runner: I’m lean, light, and I can hold a consistent pace for a long time, but I’m easily pipped over short distances. Besides, I find running in solitude for long periods of time helps to relieve stress.