MOTH to play bigger role in historic 100th Comrades Marathon
From watering stations to The Last Post, the MOTH’s century-long connection to Comrades remains one of the race’s most meaningful traditions.
AS scores of runners make their final preparations to run the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on June 14, plans are afoot to host the 100th ultramarathon with members of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) set to make their presence felt at the event once again.
Known for their involvement in the Comrades with MOTH Shellholes manning watering stations and marshalling along the way, it is however the lone bugler that plays The Last Post, to signify the official end of the 12-hour race, that always stands out.
As of late, The Last Post is played by Gabriel Joseph. “It happens when most people have switched over to watch something else on TV, that lone bugler sounds The Last Post,” said KZN Old Bill Nick ‘Skippy’ Skipworth.
“The feeling that you get while witnessing this moment stays with you. Most people do not even know why the lone bugler is there.”
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The history of the MOTH and Comrades dates back to World War I. The first Old Bill, in 1952, was Vic Clapham, who is better known for his founding role in the Comrades Marathon with the first race being in 1921.
“Vic Clapham established the Comrades as a living memorial to the South African soldiers who died in World War I,” said Skipworth.
“Up until a couple of years ago the MOTHs used to close the Comrades Marathon ceremony but now it is closed by the playing of The Last Post in memory of the fallen soldiers.”
To further emphasise the synergy between the MOTH and the ultramarathon, the 3500-member veterans’ organisation will also be marking a 100 years in 2027.
“Next year MOTH will be among the beneficiaries of the Comrades Marathon, which means we will be more involved with the race,” said Skipworth. “It’s going to be glorious.”
The 100th running of the Comrades Marathon will take place in June 2027 and will be a ‘Down Run’ from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The MOTH’s 100th anniversary will be in May.
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