Perseverance in time of an epidemic. Undaunted in a time of doubt. In trying time we live vicariously through our heroes. Their accomplishments is our triumphs. It is why we watch them, why we root for them, why we celebrate them. They are our sportsmen and women.

For more than half this year we have lived in the epoch of the unknown and the arenas where our gladiators compete have been silent. Fate, that sometimes cruel mistress, have squeezed from us many a joy, but her grip is slowly fading.

For this reason and for so much more the North-West University is proud to announce that it will host the Potchefstroom leg of the Sanlam Cape Town Virtual Marathon – Elite Invitational on Sunday 18 October.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the marathon will follow an undisclosed route to comply with national crowd control regulations. However, the event will be broadcast live on SABC. The race starts at 06:15.

Leading the charge in Potchefstroom will be one of the NWU’s most decorated athletes, Elroy Gelant. Gelant wasn’t able to complete the recently held London Marathon due to back pain, but the 34-year old who plies his trade as a Human Resource Manager at the NWU is receiving treatment. The Olympian and Two Oceans champions should pose a major threat to the rest of the field.

Only a relative small amount of elite athletes are allowed to run on the officially designated route, but participants can participate in the event virtually. Conjoint legs of the marathon will also be held in Pretoria and Cape Town.

The race can also be followed on Twitter by following the hashtags #RaceLikeNoOther and #RunForSomething at the marathon’s @ctmarathon account.