Successful virtual Comrades Marathon

Different, memorable and historic are just some of the words that can be used to describe the Comrades Marathon inaugural virtual event, ‘Race The Comrades Legends’ on Sunday, 14 June.

A total of 43788 entrants from 103 participating nations had signed up to be a part of the event.

Amanzimtoti Athletic Club’s, Larin Labuschagne who completed the 21.1km race said, “It was a very different Comrades experience, as the route was not lined with spectators, only vervet monkeys to spur runners in my area along. It was more a time of reflection and knowing that there were thousands of runners all over the world participating helped to engender the comrades spirit. I mapped out a route in my neighbourhood covering 21.1km, which took me through tree lined streets in the suburb of Amanzimtoti and ended on the beachfront at Pipeline. It was a humbling experience to have participated in this epic event. It was a virtual race due to the Covid-19 pandemic and as such I was very aware of all those who had lost loved ones and those experiencing trying times as this pandemic runs its course. It was with these people in mind that I ran my race and it was an honour to do so.”

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CMA chairperson, Cheryl Winn thanked South Africans and the world at large for supporting what has been, The Ultimate Virtual Race, making it an all-round inclusive running affair, attracting runners, their families and friends, and showcasing the camaraderie and triumph of the human spirit in one epic event, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the subsequent lockdown and amidst the social distancing directives issued by governments around the world.

“Little did we know that our slogan ‘Iphupho Lami (dare to dream) for the cancelled #Comrades2020 would resonate so strongly with the running community that so many participants would dare to dream with us and be part of ‘Race The Comrades Legends’. This has truly been an epic inaugural virtual race. We are immensely grateful for the support from our fellow South Africans, our sponsors and partners, our nationwide network of running clubs, our reigning and former champions, our green number runners, our international brand ambassadors and every participant around the world. You have all contributed in making ‘Race The Comrades Legends’ the most inclusive virtual race, the success of which is still being felt globally.”

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