For the first time in 75 years, the Comrades Marathon will not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic. The marathon took place on 24th May 1921, starting outside the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg with 34 runners.
The ultra-marathons officials recently announced that this year’s race has been cancelled because of the pandemic. According to Aleck Skhosana, ASA President “the decision was made by that the Comrades Marathon Association Board, in conjunction with KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KNA) and Athletics South Africa (ASA)”.
“We had hoped to postpone the ‘ultimate human race’ to a date not later than the end of September, but with the Covid-19 pandemic showing no signs of abating and anticipated to peak in the coming months, there is no telling what is yet to come,” said Cheryl Winn, the Comrades Marathon Association’s Chairperson.
South African entrants will not be refunded their entry fee but will instead receive their runner’s T-shirt and goody bag, as well as a Comrades badge and flash. Foreign entries will be deferred to Comrades 2021 or Comrades 2022, depending on the athletes’ wishes. Additionally, foreign athletes will also have the option of availing their 2020 entry for substitution in 2021 only.
“Cancelling what would have been the 95th edition of the Comrades Marathon was a long and arduous decision to make. However, we believe we have jointly arrived at the correct decision to protect the health and safety of all concerned as well as the lives of our fellow South Africans,” said Skhosana.
Jay Reddy, KNA administrator, urged athletes “to continue to observe the Covid-19 regulations, engage in activities responsibly, and take every precaution to prevent the spread of the virus”.
Many runners and supporter’s expressed despair on social media, while others said they would continue training regardless of the cancellation. Morena Mogale Ntweng tweeted the following: “Despite Comrades Marathon being wiped off the 2020 running calendar, I continue #running so my fitness dreams become bigger than what eyes can see”.
