POLOKWANE – This, after close to 400 runners from Polokwane, who were set to participate in the now cancelled Two Oceans Marathon on Saturday, 11 April, wait to hear whether refunds will be given.
Chairperson of Polokwane Athletics Club, Pieter Pretorius, said local races such as the Mall of the North and Mayoral Race have also been cancelled and although runners are disappointed, they believe it is the right decision.
“The races might take place at a later stage but it is anyone’s guess what it would be like and the effect it will have on the Comrades Marathon, with athletes not always training their best with no races to run and qualifiers no longer happening,” Pieter said. He added that if things are not sorted within the next six weeks, there may not be a Comrades Marathon at all. He added that runners from the city run for fun most of the time and not for a living and this makes the blow a little softer for these runners. “I do feel that Polokwane will feel the economic impact. Runners who participate in event will not longer support local business, as most runners buy running accessories in the host town or city,” Pieter said. In addition, runners also received a message that the Forever Loskop Marathon has been cancelled. Race organiser, Hein Koch, confirmed earlier this week that the race was cancelled after the cancellation of the Two Oceans Marathon.
