Durban At the Comrades Marathon post-race media conference in the center of the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Allexandra Morozova’s chuckles before each of her remarks revealed the narrative of a lady who was relieved.
The Russian runner who finished first in the 2022 down run in 6:12.42, more than 12 minutes ahead of Dominika Stelmach in second place, avoided discussing the turmoil that led up to her incredible performance.
However, it was clear that she felt justified for having used legal ways to enter the race after her and her Russian compatriots’ participation in the 95th edition of The Ultimate Human Race had been threatened.
The 32-year-old, who has been on the podium three times—once in third place, once in second—finally succeeded with a strong performance in ideal running weather.
Through a translator, she said, “I am really delighted and glad that I could accomplish this triumph.” “I am sorry for any problem I may have caused before the race, but I am really emotional right now. I value the help I received.
Many people would think she didn’t have any support, at least not from the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), who had reportedly believed she couldn’t run.
She is a warrior, and she raced a fantastic race to make up for the runner-up spots in 2019 and 2017, ultimately tasting victory.
While rising local talent Adele Broodryk had the early lead, Morozova was always in contention and was a winner as soon as she did. To be fair, she kept looking behind her as she got close to the finish line to make sure she had the championship in hand.
“I had no idea how much time I had on the competition. And the last 10 kilometers were against the wind. I want to take part in the race once again.
Runner-up Stlemach, who will be competing again, was obviously frustrated that he did not take first place.
She chuckled, “I’ve told myself I’ll come to Comrades till I win it, but now I’m not happy with this choice. But I will return here once again, I assure you. I like running uphill more. For me, the descent was quite difficult. However, the crowd as a whole and everything on the road were fantastic. Even over the last 10 miles of the marathon, I had fun. The next time, I aim to be more prepared—even for the last 10 kilometers.
Broodryk couldn’t contain her joy after finishing on the podium on the first try.
To say that I’m happy would be an understatement. I was raised by comrades. When we were children, we would watch it from the start in the morning and support or commiserate with the winners or losers. So, running it and then carrying out this action has been a longstanding goal of mine.
Brodoryk’s race marked the end of a spectacular year that saw her come close to breaking the 50-kilometer Om Die Dam Marathon record with a time of 3:23.48. She placed sixth at Two Oceans in 3:47.23 and ran a 10km personal best of 35.08 in the Spar Ladies in Gqeberha before proving she had the speed to be a strong contender at Comrades.
In dramatic manner, Jenna Challenor, another member of the squad, finished fourth after collapsing to the ground and needing assistance from the perimeter advertising board to rise up.
When she stepped into the grass, it seemed as if she had regained her balance before she fell again. Challenor sped her way across the finish line to thunderous acclaim from the audience after a fellow runner offered to assist her but was turned away by another.