While many runners were disappointed by the news that the 2020 Comrades Marathon had been cancelled, they chose to be rather safe than sorry.
Following long discussions with the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) Board and KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA), Athletics South Africa (ASA) made the announcement last week.In the 99-year history of the race it is the first time since World War 2 that this has happened.
“Cancelling what would have been the 95th edition of the Comrades Marathon was a long and arduous decision to make. With the race’s rich history, its powerful nation-building attributes and contribution towards social cohesion, as well as its immense economic impact, it would have been premature to rush into an outright cancellation sooner.
However, we believe we have jointly arrived at the correct decision to protect the health and safety of all concerned, as well as the lives of our fellow South Africans,” said Aleck Skhosana from ASA.
The sad news was felt on the West Rand too where many clubs have a large pool of eager runners who had entered for this year’s Comrades.
Charlene Beukman, running representative for the Randmark Walk, Run and Cycle Club in Randfontein said about 10 of their members would have participated this year.
“Obviously we are disappointed because a lot of kilometres go into preparing for the Comrades, but we fully support our country’s fight against Covid-19 and the CMA’s consequent decision,” she said.
“However, it does not stop us from training and motivating each other.”
Philani Buthelezi, one of South Africa’s elite men’s athletes in the 10 000m and 5 000m, has meanwhile given a message of support, advice and encouragement to fellow athletes and communities amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
