In 2014 she was placed 11th and in 2015 she finished 19th but, as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. The Swedish runner, who will represent Nedbank Running Club, took up running only in 2009. She ran her first marathon in 2011, so it has been a case of improving stride by stride over the past nine years.

A few weeks back she improved the Swedish six-hour distance-running record, running a total of 80 099 km. She also won overall. The previous record was held by Kajsa Berg, who finished third in last year’s Comrades.

It was Jonas Buud with his second-place finish in 2013 that inspired her to take up the Comrades challenge.

Sundberg said she prefers the up run (Durban to Pietermaritzburg).

'I love to run up hills. In Sweden it is easier for me to train uphill than downhill as I feel stronger when challenged by steep climbs. Therefore, it should be really fun to run the Comrades this year. Hopefully, I will achieve what I set out to do and that is to at least finish in the top 10.'

The freedom and the simplicity of running is what attracted Sundberg to the sport.

'I am sort of a loner so I really enjoy being out there on some road, clocking kilometres. I am also an avid outdoors person, which is another reason why I cannot wait to go running. The nice thing when out training is that it clears your mind. Often when I am on a training run I am able to find solutions to problems or get some new ideas of what I want to do or should do.

'I am also coaching runners, which is a very rewarding experience, especially when they achieve the goals they set themselves.

'I am fascinated by ultraracing, especially about the changes that happens in your body when racing and the mental up and downs you experience during a race. I tend to learn something new about myself after each race.'

Sundberg considers her 2015 debut in the Old Mutual Two Oceans ultrarace as a definite highlight.

'I did not get a good result. I only managed a 15th place finish, but from a purely running perspective it was a wonderful experience. The Two Oceans is definitely one of my favourite races. I was slightly worried at the start of the race as I was not sure whether I would be able to finish as I had a slight injury, but the whole atmosphere and my fellow runners made me forget about it.

'Running a time of seven hours and 54 minutes last year at the Winschoten 100 km race in the Netherlands was also special. The race turned out into a battle for survival as the temperature soared to 30 degrees celsius while we were running.