From cancer treatment to marathon triumph: Dr Naven Naidoo's inspiring journey
Dr Naven Naidoo completed his first Comrades Marathon last week
Image: Supplied
It was a tick off the bucket list for cancer survivor Dr Naven Naidoo when he completed the ultimate human race, the Comrades Marathon.
Naidoo, an orthopedic surgeon from Umhlanga, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2014. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy treatment.
Now cancer free, he ran the iconic race on Sunday, June 8, and supported the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC) charity.
Naidoo joined over 22 000 runners who set off from Pietermaritzburg City Hall on a gruelling 89.98km run to People's Park in Durban in the 98th running of the world famous Comrades Marathon.
"After my cancer treatment I focused on my work. My wife is very much into health and fitness. I did Park Runs every week, but nothing long distance. Running the Comrades is something I always wanted to do. In October last year I completed the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon with a qualifying time for the Comrades.
"In November I started training for Comrades and participated in three more long distance marathons in preparation for Comrades," he said.
Naidoo is married to Losh Naidoo, who starred in the reality series The Mommy Club.
Naidoo said he joined the online training programme with Coach Parry, which offers personalised coaching for runners, triathletes, and cyclists.
"The training was linked through an app which was monitored and able to calculate where I should finish. It was a structured plan which I adhered to as best I could. Training for Comrades takes a lot of commitment, especially with my work and the unpredictable hours. But if it is something you want to do, you will find a way to do it," he said.
Naidoo, a father of triplet daughters, said he was aiming for an 11h30 minute finish, and had crossed the finish at 11h38.
"I had no leg pain. At the 60km mark I felt a blister and couldn't feel my toes. I knew I had 30km to go so I calculated my pace and continued. I could see people collapse along the way, and I said I just wanted the medal.
"Whenever I saw a familiar face along the route it gave me impetus," he said.
Naidoo said he was fortunate his cancer was diagnosed and treated early.
"I hope others can take some hope from this," he said.
He added that he will be back next year to get his back to back medal.
Cancer survivor Dr Naven Naidoo completed the Comrades Marathon, a tick off his bucket list
Image: Supplied