Petros Ndlangamandla finishes 10km virtual race, says running with a mask is no joke
His decision to participate came after the KwaZulu-Natal Classic and globally renowned Comrades Marathon, had to be cancelled after the state of national disaster was declared by the South African government
Worldwide, people are adapting to what is now considered the new normal under the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meetings, sports gathering, church services etc. have resorted to conducting some of their events virtually.
This was also the case for Mr Petros Ndlangamandla, marathon runner from Ermelo, who recently completed a 10km virtual race.
His decision to participate came after the KwaZulu-Natal Classic and globally renowned Comrades Marathon, had to be cancelled after the state of national disaster was declared by the South African government
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), however, decided to console marathon runners, by introducing a Comrades Marathon Virtual Race.
The association offered runners a wide range of distances; 5km, 10km, 21.1km, 45km and 90km, to choose from.
“In order to be considered having successfully finished your distance of choice, entrants had to fill in and submit their entries prior to race day on 14 June,” Mr Ndlangamandla explained.
“Entrants had to run the race alone on a route of their choice, while wearing a timing device, such as a smart watch or phone, that calibrated the distance while they ran.”
The CMA also provided entrants with special race numbers.
Mr Ndlangamandla told the Highvelder that he initially entered the 21,1km, but during the race, was forced to opt for the 10km distance, instead.
“I realised that running with a mask on was no child’s play.
“Strangely, completing this distance during training while wearing a mask was no hassle, but that was not the case on race day.”
Read the complete article in the next edition of the Highvelder.
