Hollywood Athletics Club feeling no pressure ahead of Comrades Marathon

The 85km race is expected to attract some of the world's best ultra-distance runners, but Seidler says the message from management to the athletes remains simple – enjoy the race and make it safely to the finish line.

Despite boasting a star-studded squad and being tipped by many as favourites for both the men’s and women’s titles, Seidler is refusing to place any extra expectations on his runners. 

Instead, he wants them to focus on the experience and perform without the burden of chasing victory.

"It's the case of, look, we always turn around and say to the athletes, there's no pressure. What happens on race day happens on race day. You perform to the best of your abilities because we know that that's what the athletes will do," said Seidler

READ: Nick Bester declares the Dream Team ready for Comrades Marathon

"You have a bad day, you have a bad day, so be it. You have a great day, fantastic. But from the club's point of view, there's never a pressure and an expectation that you must win or you must get on the podium.Obviously, that is what we'd love to see."

"We'd obviously love to see Gerda and Tete taking the title. But the expectation is, do your best. That's all one can actually ask for. I think in terms of preparations and so on, the athletes, obviously, with their coaches and so on,they would have prepared accordingly. We've got a good team."

"We know this. We've got a professional team. A lot of them have been doing comrades for a while.And Irvette, this will be her first up run. We know how strong Irvette is. So we're hopeful.We're hopeful for really good results. But again, like I said, there's no expectations. You know, from our side, from the club point of view, we basically just need to provide as much as possible in terms of the support structure that is physically possible."

Seidler also played down the growing rivalry between Hollywood Athletics Club and Nedbank Running Club.

The battle is often portrayed as a contest between the Purple Team and the Dream Team, but Seidler believes the Comrades Marathon is far bigger than just two clubs competing against each other.

He says there are several strong contenders in the field and expects an exciting race with many athletes capable of challenging for top honours.

While insisting there is no pressure, Seidler acknowledged that Hollywood Athletics Club has assembled a strong men’s squad for the race.

The team includes some of the leading contenders in the ultra-marathon scene, with runners who have consistently delivered impressive performances at major events.

Seidler believes the group has the quality and experience to compete at the front of the race, while also highlighting several athletes who could surprise on the challenging route to Pietermaritzburg.

The women’s team is equally strong and is spearheaded by four-time Comrades Marathon champion Gerda Steyn.

She will be joined by a strong runner that includes Irvette van Zyl, Carla Molinaro and American athlete Courtney Olsen

Seidler is confident the women’s squad has the depth and quality to challenge for top positions and continue the club’s strong record at the iconic race.

In addition to individual honours, Hollywood Athletics Club is also targeting the prestigious team prizes that will be awarded at Monday’s breakfast ceremony.

The club will be looking to defend its women’s team title while also challenging for the men’s crown against strong opposition.

Seidler believes the Purple Team has enough depth across both squads to compete for the overall team honours.