Rufus Photo targets top-three finish at 2024 Comrades Marathon

Having signed with the KwaZulu-Natal club for the 2024 season in January, following the closure of the Murray & Roberts Running Club, the Limpopo-born road runner is now buoyed by his new lease of life.

Photo finished the 2023 Comrades Down Run in a respectable fifth place, in a time of 5:21:48, and is determined to go quicker and finish higher up the rankings in the Up Run come Sunday, 9 June 2024.

"Preparations for the upcoming Comrades race are well underway. I’ve already engaged in several training sessions, including completing a full marathon of 42.2km and participating in two 10km races," Photo told SABC Sport.

"I’m pleased with my performance thus far. I am considering taking the City-to-City 50km Ultra-Marathon later this month, although my participation hinges on my club’s schedule due to mandatory races. We’ll convene to finalise the racing calendar soon. 

"With this year’s Comrades being an up-run, I’ve prioritised hill training. Having achieved a top 10 finish in the past, I aim to secure my highest placement yet."

With three months remaining until the big day in Durban, the 44-year-old is in high spirits following a stressful period of losing his income, and is now eager to repay the faith shown in him.

"I’m feeling positive and well-supported; I belong to a club and receive a monthly stipend. My main priority is gearing up for the Comrades and aiming for my personal best. Training is progressing smoothly, and I’m in peak physical condition,” he concluded.

READ: Comrades Marathon Association bans cheating runners over fraudulent entries