It was heartbreaking and disappointing for runners when the 95th edition of the Comrades Marathon had to be cancelled due to Covid-19. However, to keep the spirit of this ultra-marathon alive, the Comrades Marathon Association introduced the ‘Race the Comrades Legends’ virtual race, which was held on Sunday, June 14. This was the day the Comrades Marathon would have taken place.
Local runner Chaman Ramphal, who is no stranger to the Comrades Marathon, decided to do the 45km run (half the distance). This would have been Mr Ramphal’s 20th consecutive Comrades Marathon and he says this ‘virtual’ race offered runners the chance to be part of an event, especially those who trained hard for the Comrades.
There were many different distances that runners could choose from, such as 5km, 10km, 21km, 45km and 90km. Mr Ramphal ran 45km from the Promenade to the Blue Lagoon and back, many times, until he completed the distance. He decided to do his ‘virtual’ run in Durban, as this was where he was set to run the Comrades Marathon. He completed his race in a good time, choosing the lovely scenic route of the Promenade.
Mr Ramphal said he enjoyed the experience and came across many other runners who were also part of the ‘virtual’ race. All athletes observed the Covid-19 regulations and took every precaution to prevent the spread of the virus.
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Mr Ramphal says that many family members and friends also got involved in the fun and the action of the day. Usually, this is reserved for ultra-runners in the traditional 90km Comrades Marathon.
Among the runners who took part in the ‘Legends’ race was nine-time Comrades champ Bruce Fordyce.
The event attracted participants from around the world, with 86 participating nations and even more international participants than had entered the 2020 Comrades Marathon. This was said to be the world’s most inclusive virtual event, hosted by the organisers of the world’s greatest ultra-marathon. With the entry tally nearing 30,000, ‘Race the Comrades Legends’ was truly the Ultimate Virtual Race.
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