Considering the ramifications of the 21-day lockdown, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that the 2020 Comrades Marathon will be staged on June 14.
For many Lowvelders whose training has been interrupted for three weeks, the uncertainty is beginning to take its toll.

Paul Bester, president of Athletics Mpumalanga, echoed what the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) recently said: “CMA’s number-one priority is to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of runners, staff, volunteers, sponsors and stakeholders. Therefore we will just have to wait patiently for the decision to be announced by ASA in mid-April.

Also read: Community warned about possible escaped lion around Malalane

“Remember that this is a safety measure to protect us as citizens. As no one will be allowed to leave their homes for training or socialising, this time should be used to rest and train in the safety of your home.”

CMA’s main considerations at this stage, according to chairperson Cheryl Winn, are to encourage runners to abide by and respect all aspects and directives of government in relation to the national lockdown. In particular, everyone must stay at home and not run outside one’s property. The regard for the eventual safety, welfare and potential unpreparedness of runners, after having experienced a three-week interruption in training during the critical build-up to such a gruelling endurance race, is paramount.

Also read: You may not go for a run, says Athletics Mpumalanga

“We are engaging closely with our national federation, Athletics South Africa, and through ASA we will take guidance and direction from our government as to the fate of Comrades 2020,” Winn said. She added that with regard to possible postponement, which would require ASA sanction, the CMA Board is of the view that the race cannot be staged later than October 4, owing to climatic conditions.

If the 2020 Comrades Marathon is cancelled, it would be the first and only time since World War 2 in the 99-year history of the race.

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).