The Comrades Marathon Association’s (CMA) inaugural virtual event, Race The Comrades Legends, brought much consolation to athletes at home and abroad on June 14.
This after the Comrades Marathon 2020 was cancelled due to the lockdown in efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Lawrence Hlatswayo (56), who has participated in nine Comrades Marathons, says he was devastated when he found out the event was cancelled.
Also read:
Virtual Parkrun popular with Springsites
“But I understood that is was because of the virus, there was nothing that could be done.
“We had to protect ourselves.”
To mark the 10th year of his participation in the ultimate human race, Hlatswayo would receive his green number.
A green number, also known as permanent number, is awarded to participants who have successfully completed 10 Comrades Marathons.
His son, Bonga (29), says the news of the cancellation was disappointing for everyone.
“We had to understand that safety comes first.
“It was all done for a good reason,” he says.
The pair exercised and continued to run in their yard during level five of the lockdown.
“The virtual race was amazing.
“We saw a lot of people we know from our club, Kwa-Thema Striders, and realised how many people participated.
“Even though we could not socialise, just seeing them was so encouraging.
“We were not running alone.”
They completed their 21.1km run in two hours, 20 minutes and 35 seconds.
Melisizwe Solo from Sharon Park says: “I ran my first Comrades last year.
“I grew up watching the race on television as a family, cheering for the South Africans to win.
“It’s one of those events that were filled with so many emotions, seeing runners crossing the line in excitement and others in tears for missing the cut-off time.
“I always knew that one day I’ll also take part and finish it.
“It was sad to learn the event has been cancelled; however, it was expected, so it was no surprise.
“With that said, I was disappointed though as I was really looking forward to obtaining my back-to-back medal this year.”
Also read:
Hundreds turn up for Manjoh Race despite cold.
He says during the lockdown, like most runners, he tried to keep fit.
“I ran around the house but it wasn’t the same.
“When I heard about the virtual race, I told myself I will do the 21km since I wasn’t that fit.
“But I was then convinced to do the 45km; I was very nervous and excited at the same time.
“It was a great day out, but the last 10km were tough; the legs were tired.
“Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable experience, seeing other runners on the road doing what we all love. “It was certainly worth it.”
Tsepo Tsotetsi (46) says he had hoped the Comrades Marathon would go on as planned, even after other races were cancelled.
“The Comrades Marathon Association kept reassuring us that the race would continue.
“Even until March there was that glimmer of hope.
“I was shattered when the cancellation was officially announced.
“So much time and effort goes into preparing for such a race.
“You really want to see yourself at the starting line.”
Also read:
Barbara Neuhoff makes the top five in Race the Legends Comrades
But like the other athletes, Tsotetsi says he completely understands that is was for their safety.
“I did not think my yard was big, but I was able to run 12km right there.
“Then we had to adjust to wearing masks when we stepped out, which was a bit of a challenge.”
He says he found it exciting to map out his own route.He ran 21.1km in exactly two hours.
“What an experience!”
Follow us on our social media platforms:
