There’s an old song, a nursery rhyme, about the grand old Duke of York and his marching men – how they go up and down, and then neither up nor down.
Well, for Comrades runners, it’s a little bit like that this year – no race, neither up nor down.
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However, all is not lost and instead many will be running ‘at home’, in a recently launched ‘Race The Comrades Legends’ virtual race this Sunday (14th).
Comrades Marathon Association chairman Cheryl Winn said that while it may seem new age to traditional Comrades Marathon runners, the ‘Race The Comrades Legends’ virtual race works pretty much the same way as any other type of running, with the only difference being that the participant can run at any location, especially in the comfort of their own home, on a treadmill, outside in their garden or neighbourhood, all at their own pace.
If you are an entrant in the 2020 Comrades Marathon it is free, and you would have received an entry voucher via email or SMS to redeem your entry.
Should you not have access to email and require a voucher code or assistance, please call the CMA office on 033 8978650.
All other participants pay an entry fee of R150 for South African or R470 for international entries.
The stipulated age restrictions are as follows: 5km – 9 years; 10km – 15 years; 21km – 16 years; 45km – 20 years; 90km – 20 years.
The significant difference of being part of ‘Race The Comrades Legends’ is that all finishers will be emailed a virtual medal and certificate, as well as a real medal which will be delivered to them.
They also get to run for a cause and can make donations to an official Comrades Marathon Amabeadibeadi charity, as well as purchase commemorative products to denote their participation in a one-of-a-kind virtual race.
“Feel free to run the course of your choice but please respect the government regulations in your area pertaining to Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing,” said Cheryl.
For more information on ‘Race The Comrades Legends’ and to enter, click through to https://www.comrades.com/race-the-comrades-legends-information.
Regarding the cut-off time, note that you need to complete your run any time on Sunday, 14 June, within your respective time zone.
Other than that, you can run in your own time and at your own pace but you will have 24 hours to complete your selected distance.
Please honour the time limit for uploading of your race data which must be done by 11.59pm on Sunday to qualify for the finisher’s medal.
* Various members of South Coast Striders have embarked on a local Virtual Comrades Challenge ranging between one and seven days to complete the 90km.
Some started earlier in the week and incorporate it with the Comrades Legends on Sunday.
Race veteran Deborah Berridge and second-timer Wendy Makhaluza are going to run from Shelly Beach to Oslo Beach and back, then to Manaba and back, and then for the rest of the day in 2km loops around the Shelly Centre.
“I’m hoping for a sub 10 and Wendy for under 12 hours. Adeline Jacobs will start with us for the 21km or 42km, she will see closer to the time,” said Deborah.
Daan van Niekerk, who recently ran 100 miles non-stop, will run at Lilliecrona Boulevard.
Others will be there for the Legends 21km or less options.
Those doing it over four days include Mark Smith, Lou Schoeman, Taryn Milligan, Neville Davies, Kelly Allan, former Strider Donovan Rothman, now with Redway Runners in the UK and Inika Curnow.
Giving it a go over three days will be Bongani Mbhele, Brino Peter Chidzungu and Graeme Milligan.
Hoping to finish the full 90km in one day are Daan van Niekerk, Isabeau du Preez, Wendy Makhazula, Deborah Berridge, Anton Rossouw and Keith Reynolds.
* A number of Ugu Athletics Club members have indicated that they will take part, in various distances.
Sihambi Hlophe and Ronald Cwele are aiming to get 90km done in one day.
“They are brave, very brave,” said seasoned runner Pardon Mathebula.
He is going to do the 21km run with Eddie Ramaloo, Pardon Methbula, Diloshan Chetty, Marlin and Bhoni.
“We’re going for a shorter distance at pace,” he said.
Njabulo and Asanda are aiming to do the 45km, while Reshen Sookoram and Navi are taking it easy over 10km.
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