On Sunday a total of 43 788 entrants from 103 participating nations hit the tarmac in the inaugural virtual Race The Comrades Legends.

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) chairperson, Cheryl Winn, has thanked South Africans and the world at large for supporting what has been The Ultimate Virtual Race.

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Locally, with the preferred route being the R37 Mbombela/Lydenburg Road, it was an all-round inclusive running affair, attracting members from clubs across the Lowveld, their families and friends. It showcased the camaraderie and triumph of the human spirit in one epic event, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the subsequent lockdown and amid the social distancing directives issued by governments around the world.

For others, it was an opportunity to use their months of training to pit themselves against runners from all across the world.
It paid off for Madeleine Whitehair of Run Walk for Life, who pulled out all the stops to finish the full Comrades (90 kilometres) in a time of 08:52,00, just three minutes short of her Comrades PB of 08:49.

She maintained an average speed of five minute and 55 seconds per kilometre which was not only enough to secure her the ninth overall position in the women’s category, but to win her age category (45-49) convincingly.

This was her 13th Comrades and this is what she had to say about her race:
“I am not going to lie, it was without a doubt harder than running the actual Comrades, without the support next to the road and the vibe and thousands of people who come out to cheer the runners on. It was, however, still an amazing experience, and I had to dig very deep to finish my 13th Comrades in these conditions. I am grateful for an amazing club that stood firmly behind me, amazing friends and a husband who supported me all the way,” she said.

City of Mbombela Marathon Club’s Moris Maiga secured an overall 19th place in a time of 07:05,11 by maintaining an average time of four minutes and 44 seconds per kilometre.

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He ran just 1:36,11 slower than the overall winner, Alwyn Uys. In his age category (45-49), he secured fourth place, just 17 minutes behind the front runner, Andre Swanepoel.

“We are immensely grateful for the support from our fellow South Africans, our sponsors and partners, our nationwide network of running clubs, our reigning and former champions, our green number runners, our international brand ambassadors and every participant around the world. You have all contributed in making Race The Comrades Legends the most inclusive virtual race, the success of which is still being felt globally.”

Here are some photos captured by Desiré Fourie.