A Green number or permanent Comrades number is awarded to participants who have managed to complete 10 Comrades Marathons which don't have to be consecutive. On race day, runners doing their 11th or subsequent runs wear a green race number. Runners doing their 10th run (going for their green number) wear a yellow number to distinguish them from the rest of the running field. Runners wearing this yellow number get fantastic support from fellow participants and supporters. Immediately after completion of a runner’s 10th run, they are guided into the Green Number Club where a Comrades “Legend” will present them with their green number. Photographs are then taken to capture this special moment. We look forward to seeing Riaan's picture!Riaan Nel
| Gold | Wally Hayward | Silver | Bill Rowan | Bronze | Vic Clapham | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 9 |
When did you run your first Comrades and why did you decide to run it?
RN: 10 years ago in 2004 – moved to Polokwane from Port Elizabeth and needed to do something drastic to keep sane, decided to RUN….
So this is your yellow number run? How does it feel?
RN: I’m getting more excited about it, especially after the recognition that I’ve received at the novices dinner last week (Thank you ML and Petro!). Have not had much time to really think about the magnitude of the “achievement” – sure it will strike me on Comrades day though!
Which Comrades legend are secretly hoping will shake your hand and award you your green number?
RN: Bruce Fordyce, although he will be too late as I’ll probably beat him! Alan Robb is a quiet legend – definitely my favourite.
Are you going to come back again and run in your green number?
RN: Yes.
And then run in it again the other way?
RN: Yes.
Will you try qualify ahead of the green numbers in future, or just accept an E seeding?
RN: Now you have me thinking….tempting to just accept such a top seeding!
You have a high pressure job that involves travel. How do you fit it all in?
RN: Like this year – not very well!
It has been said that you have the ability to run perfectly to your game plan. How do you do this?
RN: By knowing what I’m capable of doing with the amount of training that was done….the experience of a few years’ running does help.
What short advice can you offer to a 'Comrades virgin'?
RN: Be realistic with your race day goals, eat and drink plenty and KNOW that you have trained well. Show some respect to the hills and do your best to enjoy as much of the day as possible. Shed a tear as you cross the finish line…..
What was your best Comrades time, and what did you do differently that year to 'make it happen'?
RN: 8h52 – I was 9 years younger then and focused on shorter, faster training efforts….
What are your race plans - anything special for the 10th? Or just running it like the others?
RN: I had plans to beat Venessa this year, but realised she will not take it well so I’l let her win this one. Bought a ticket on THE BUS last week.
Which race was tougher to prepare for - your first, or your tenth?
RN: Definitely the 10th – had to convince myself often that now was not the best time to give it all up.
What "green number club" privilege are you most looking forward to?
RN: Definitely to register without the long queues at the expo.
So this is your yellow number run? How does it feel?
RN: I’m getting more excited about it, especially after the recognition that I’ve received at the novices dinner last week (Thank you ML and Petro!). Have not had much time to really think about the magnitude of the “achievement” – sure it will strike me on Comrades day though!
Which Comrades legend are secretly hoping will shake your hand and award you your green number?
RN: Bruce Fordyce, although he will be too late as I’ll probably beat him! Alan Robb is a quiet legend – definitely my favourite.
Are you going to come back again and run in your green number?
RN: Yes.
And then run in it again the other way?
RN: Yes.
Will you try qualify ahead of the green numbers in future, or just accept an E seeding?
RN: Now you have me thinking….tempting to just accept such a top seeding!
You have a high pressure job that involves travel. How do you fit it all in?
RN: Like this year – not very well!
It has been said that you have the ability to run perfectly to your game plan. How do you do this?
RN: By knowing what I’m capable of doing with the amount of training that was done….the experience of a few years’ running does help.
What short advice can you offer to a 'Comrades virgin'?
RN: Be realistic with your race day goals, eat and drink plenty and KNOW that you have trained well. Show some respect to the hills and do your best to enjoy as much of the day as possible. Shed a tear as you cross the finish line…..
What was your best Comrades time, and what did you do differently that year to 'make it happen'?
RN: 8h52 – I was 9 years younger then and focused on shorter, faster training efforts….
What are your race plans - anything special for the 10th? Or just running it like the others?
RN: I had plans to beat Venessa this year, but realised she will not take it well so I’l let her win this one. Bought a ticket on THE BUS last week.
Which race was tougher to prepare for - your first, or your tenth?
RN: Definitely the 10th – had to convince myself often that now was not the best time to give it all up.
What "green number club" privilege are you most looking forward to?
RN: Definitely to register without the long queues at the expo.
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