Physiotherapy students help Comrades runners at Botha’s Hill.CHS Students Showcase their Skills at Comrades
College of Health Sciences students provided a much needed service to Comrades Marathon runners at a UKZN refreshment station on Botha’s Hill.
Students together with UKZN staff sacrificed their “beauty sleep” to be at station 29 on Old Main Road before the road closure at 5.20am. Clad in red tops, the students set up their massage equipment and laid out their massage oils while UKZN staff and Extended Learning colleagues helped prepare refreshments for the runners.
The set up was complete by 7am and the visibly happy crowd got a chance to show each other their dance moves on the street, while the DJ played great music, which later encouraged some of the runners to stop and dance before running off towards the finish line.
The UKZN team cheered and welcomed the first runner to pass the station at 8.32am with a big Mexican wave. They cheered and encouraged the racers on by handing out water, energy drinks, fruit and sweets as they made their way downhill.
As the runners passed, Physiotherapy students continued tirelessly to aid runners with quick massages along the side of the road. Most of the runners who stopped for assistance complained of cramps and tight muscles.
‘It was cold and dark in the morning when we arrived, but it’s been a great day and we’ve enjoyed supporting the runners and assisting them with massages,’ said a student.
The last runner passed through at 1.11pm.
Here is what some of the students at the UKZN station said after the event:
Ms Uvani Pillay: ‘I really enjoyed working at the Comrades Marathon - it is such a charismatic event. We got to experience the true South African spirit and it reminded me once again how beautiful our country really is.’
Ms Zakkiyya Latib: ‘It is absolutely incredible to be a part of such a phenomenal event as the Comrades Marathon. Interacting with the participants and assisting them has been a truly rewarding experience! The atmosphere was amazing and continued throughout the long day.’
- Nombuso Dlamini and Zakia Jeewa