Over the hill

Chap Stan Fetting crosses the finish line of the 89km Comrades Marathon “up run” in South Africa, with a time of nine hours, 47 minutes. Photo provided by Chap Fetting

A SELF-confessed crazy Padre from 7 Bde has fought in the spirit of the Comrades Marathon to finish the gruelling uphill run in the top third of the field.

Chap Stan Fetting competed in the 89km “up run” event from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in a time of nine hours and 47 minutes. Only 10,000 of the 12,000 runners finished the run.

Chap Fetting said the spirit of the Comrades Marathon was epitomised by the 4000 volunteers who staffed the 51 refreshment stations, and the countless thousands of spectators who throng the route, offering anything from a massage to a sausage from their BBQ.

“The runners were simply only a part of the picture, with countless thousands of people of all cultures lining the route, providing endless entertainment, food, drink and enthusiastic support,” he said.

After cramping began for the Padre at the 33km mark, the roadside presence and encouragement of spectators worked well to keep his spirits up and focus on the job at hand.

As doubts started to set in about finishing the event, Chap Fetting said he decided back off and make sure he got plenty of roadside physio along the way.

“The constant encouragement from the crowds helped greatly during some very low moments and spurred me on,” he said.

“I mixed that in with sheer stubbornness and a determination to step across the line at the finish.

“I had no choice, as my mum was waiting at the finish for my arrival.”

Chap Fetting said the disciplines of long distance running could be compared to a spiritual life.

“To those who stay the distance, the rewards are awesome,” he said.

“And although there are mountain tops and valleys, tough and easy parts of the race, you keep on running and push through.

“I also have a coach who knows me and provides inspiration, guidance, correction and encouragement.”

Chap Fetting was among 30 Australians in the race and said he met a few along the way.

“The Aussie flag on my cap ensured lots of encouragement and more than a few bad attempts at ‘g’day Bruce’.”