St John has been a fixture at the Comrades Marathon pretty much since the race’s beginning, which is probably for almost 80 years….. and this year will be no exception.
Its Comrades day this Sunday – 9 June. Of course, as we know Comrades is the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon race: approximately 88 kilometres which is run annually in KwaZulu-Natal between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is an up run this year.
Typically stationed alongside the medics’ tent towards the end of the race, St John support the medics on duty and provides much needed TLC to the runners – massaging weary limbs, pain management and with their first aid experience, they are able to help and support the medics in aiding the runners – and have even been known to make tea…
These days, on average, during the race, they see up to 300 patients during the race in their St John first aid tent. There have been years when they have seen up to 500 runners!
There are St John staffers who have regularly volunteered their time and talents to help. Former St John Durban Commissioner, Henry Stone, a few years ago worked out that he had volunteered at something like 75 races – which is almost every race since its inception.
Previous St John staffer and avid marathon runner, Khethiwe Memela, is happy to get a leg massage from Bradley Barnabas, while her body temperature is being kept regulated by Mr X in preparation of the Comrades on Sunday.
Another race veteran, Cathy Dedman has been in the St John tent every race for the past 45 years and will be there again this weekend.
“By the end of the race, I feel like I have run it! Of all the events that I have worked at, Comrades has the most cheerful people. It is one of the few events which we cover where generally everybody is laughing and joking and really happy to be there. It is really hard work, but people enjoy it and the runners, despite being in great pain, are thankful and smiling,” she said.
“By the time the runners get to us they are really tired. I am reminded every year how amazing the human body is. Running has become mechanical, the mind switches off but body keeps going. The races shows the very best of human nature.”
“Before the race became so big, private cars were allowed on the race route, so St John had a team in the tent, but also a team on the road in various vehicles helping runners en-route. When cars were no longer allowed on the route, we worked out of the tent only, like we do today.”
“I have learned it is not a good idea to wash empty containers of embrocation in the dishwasher – the kitchen smells like a Comrades tent for day! And one of the huge advantages of massaging so much cream into so many legs is that you don’t need to use hand cream for ages afterwards!”
A photo taken a few years ago getting ready for the big day – Bradley Barnabas (then St John: Facilities Manager) and Mxolisi Mpungose AKA Mr X (St John: National Event Co-Ordinator and First Aid Trainer) in preparation for the Comrades. Team St John spent time getting their ambulance ready for the big day – loading up literally dozens of litres of massage oil, and hundreds of plasters… and tea bags and an urn!
Written by Illa Thompson
PREPAREDNESS IS PARAMOUNT
Empower yourself with a First Aid Kit packed to handle emergencies confidently, from minor cuts to major mishaps.
