Runners happy to race again in the Pirates 21k
GREENSIDE – The half marathon took place virtually with runners completing the original route over any weekend in February.
Pirates Club in Greenside was excited to host a successful virtual edition of the iconic Pirates 21k run over the month of February.
More than 1 500 participants took on the toughest 21km race in Joburg over various Saturdays and Sundays. Unlike many virtual races, runners were encouraged to run the normal route to earn the coveted race T-shirt upon completion.
Road running chair Natalie Mills said despite a slow early uptake of entries, the club eventually had to cut off entries at 1 500.
“Every running club has cancelled their races meaning that runners had nothing to look forward to. I hope that other clubs will do the same in the upcoming months,” added Mills.
As more runners took to the gruelling Northcliff hill over various weekends, it became exciting to watch the online leaderboard change each week.
Runners took their own race times and winners needed to post a link to Strava to verify their times.
Mills said runners shared positive sentiments regarding the event and were appreciative of the opportunity to get out and compete again.
Three-time Comrades winner, eight-time gold medal winner and Medshield ambassador Bongmusa Mthembu was pleased to win the race in a time of 01:14:49 following months of limited competitive activity.
Speaking to the Gazette Mthembu said, “It was a nice experience to get out and compete after a long time, especially when I do this for a living. “The atmosphere at the end and the friendships we shared as athletes was really amazing.”
Mthembu said it was difficult to keep up his pace in the race without the usual marshals at intersections along the route and without many competitors or cheering crowds.
“It has been a frustrating time for full-time athletes with few events to keep us motivated and no camps taking place. I am thankful to my family and sponsors who have kept me going.”
Four-time Comrades winner and running legend Alan Robb also took part in the event on 28 February alongside running friend Brian Chamberlain in a time of 02:20:00. Having moved to Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape, Robb said it was a great excuse to visit Joburg again and meet up with old friends.
“The event was a good idea from Pirates. All runners want a goal to train towards, especially without the Comrades or Two Oceans or any of these events taking place. It was a wonderfully festive and fun run,” said Robb.
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