This iconic 90km marathon was also affected by lockdown restrictions. This year the marathon went online with the Comrades Marathon Centenary Hope Challenge.
This challenge meant people all over the country had the opportunity to take part in the virtual marathon. The challenge was envisioned to help foster hope among the difficulties brought on by the pandemic. Competitors could compete at distances of 5km, 10km, 21.1km, 45km or the iconic 90km marathon.
They planned their routes and times were confirmed by a tracking app.
Athletes from Alberton joined in on the challenge. The runners from Alberton Athletics Club and Lewensentrum Athletics Club got together to take part in the challenge in Brackendowns. Their route was around 10km in a loop through Brackendowns, which included crossing the footbridge across Swartkoppies Road.
Those running longer distances repeated the loop.
The runners set off at different times according to the distance they were running. Those running the 90km set off at 05:00. After completing the challenge the runners got together to celebrate the race.
Seven runners completed the 90km road race. Ravi Govender, Syann Long and Darius van der Schyff each completed the race for the first time. For Ravi this was extra special as he completed it on his birthday.
Ian Kingon, Steve Joubert, Eugene le Maitre and Thomas Xaba also completed the full 90km, having already finished it a previous time.
