If Comrades was just another long road race, an “up”, a “down”, and a silver medal would be enough for an ordinary runner like me.
But Comrades is much more. Partly because of what I do with it, sure. You seem I’m a magician. I make it big, rich, fulfilling, especially if I can finish in time. But I couldn’t do that without what Comrades is. So I go back. If I skip a couple because I want to do something else or can’t that year, it’s ok.
A part of me is always a Comrade. Even when I can’t. I’ll be there. Part of the story of me is out on that road.