Vitality member Archie Walaza completes his 23rd Comrades Marathon: A journey of perseverance and passion

As a scheme administrator at Discovery, Archie's professional life is as demanding as his running regimen. Yet, he has successfully completed his 23rd Comrades Marathon and says he can count on one hand the number of days he's called in sick over the past 30 years he has worked at Discovery.

His journey began in 1995 when he and his colleagues at Discovery decided to participate in a company relay race. "It started as a hobby," says Archie. The company relay was a turning point, sparking a passion that led Archie to run his first Comrades Marathon in 1998.

"The first one was tough," Archie says about completing his first Comrades in 10 hours and 20 minutes. Despite the gruelling experience, Archie returned the following year, shaving off four minutes from his previous time. By 2000, he had achieved his first sub-9-hour finish, a significant milestone in any runner's career.

One of Archie's inspirations is his colleague Debbie Fess, who encouraged him to take running seriously. "Debbie was the first to run Comrades among us, and she inspired me to push my limits." Their daily lunchtime runs laid the foundation for Archie's remarkable journey in the marathon world.

"I now run 20km every morning before work," he says, adding that he rests on Saturday and picks up again on Sunday. This commitment means rising before dawn to ensure he has enough time for his run before starting his day at Discovery. His route varies - sometimes running from the office to Sandton Drive, climbing up Winnie Mandela Drive, up to Mike's Kitchen in Parktown, and back again - but each one is carefully chosen to provide challenge and variety.

Preparation for a big race involves more than just running. Archie emphasises the importance of gym workouts to build strength and endurance. "Running alone is not enough. You need to go to the gym for strength training, core exercises, and squats." This approach to training ensures that Archie remains injury-free and maintains his stamina throughout the year.

Diet also plays a crucial role in Archie's preparation. On race days, he opts for a balanced breakfast of oats and bananas. During the race, he relies on simple, energy-boosting snacks like potatoes with salt and drinks like Coke and water. "Carbo-loading before the race makes a difference," he says.

Every Comrades Marathon presents its unique challenges. Archie recalls his best performance in 2005 when he finished in 8 hours, 37 minutes. "I was so fit that year," he says. However, not every race goes as planned. This year, Archie faced difficulties but managed to push through, finishing in 11 hours and 58 minutes, just two minutes before the cut-off time. "Every race is different. You don't know how it's going to be until you get there," he says.

In addition to the Comrades Marathon, Archie also participates in the Two Oceans Marathon each year, which he sees as an essential part of his training regime but also preparation for the Comrades.

Archie's story is not just about personal achievement but also about inspiring others. He hopes to host a fun run in his village, Walaza in the Eastern Cape, encouraging others to discover the joys and benefits of running.

For aspiring runners, Archie offers simple yet profound advice: "Start small. Begin with short distances and gradually increase your mileage. Stretch, stay consistent, and most importantly, enjoy the process." As Archie looks forward to his future races including the Soweto Marathon in November, he remains committed to improving his times and pushing his limits. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and a drive to always beat his personal best, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.