MANY top runners who were preparing for this year’s Comrades Marathon were left disappointed when it was cancelled. Leon Lestrade African News Agency (ANA) MANY top runners who were preparing for this year’s Comrades Marathon were left disappointed when it was cancelled. Leon Lestrade African News Agency (ANA)
OPINION - ENTERING and preparing for the Comrades Marathon represents a challenge that demands an unswerving commitment by top runners.
This week would have been a crucial week for runners and Durban if the event weren’t cancelled.
This made me recall my first Comrades experience. It was 1998 when I was introduced to the race dubbed the “up run” from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
The Comrades week is normally an exciting but also a nervous week because you don’t comprehend what to expect on the day.
I can recall the race that gave me many troubles - the 2002 Comrades Marathon. This was the race where I witnessed several top runners, including myself, not passing the halfway mark, Inchanga. We agreed the weather was to blame.
Even so, we entered the race the following year. I can think of the friendships forged over the years.
I know this year is disturbing for many top runners who were prepared to run the race. Covid-19 is to blame for the cancellation of the Comrades Marathon.
Don’t despair, next year is going to be better. I am confident 2021 is going to allow us to run again.
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