Covid-19 halts Kosmos-3-in-1

HIGHVELD – The Kosmos 3-in-1 which takes place every year in March will not be hosted this year due to Covid-19.

This will see the second time that the Kosmos-3-in-1 will not take place since 1991.

Although athletes got to run the Kosmos-3-in-1 last year, ardent cyclists saw the Cosmos 3-in-1 being cancelled because of Covid-19.

The last time this event was cancelled was in 2002, while under the leadership of Mr Nic Bester who moved the yearly event in 2001 to Pretoria in hopes of growth.

However, this was unsuccessful and saw the Kosmos-3-in-1 making its return back to Secunda after the cancellation of the 2002 event.

“Being able to run all three races, for a total of 73,3km, is what makes the Kosmos 3-in-1 so special.

“However, the logistics of organising an event of this nature, was underestimated by the organisers of the Pretoriaevent,” said Ms Rolin Booysen, marketing manager for Lake Umuzi.

The cancellation of the 2002 event convinced one of the original organisers, Ms Ria van Schalkwyk, to resurrect the event. She approached Lake Umuzi to act as title sponsor of the 12th Kosmos 3-in-1.

“The construction of Lake Umuzi was still in progress, but realising the potential to attract runners from across South Africa, Lake Umuzi decided to back the return of the event to Secunda.

“The 2003 Kosmos 3-in1 started at the Sasol Recreation Club, but from 2004 onwards the start and finish were held at Umuzi Lodge, Lake Umuzi,” said Ms Booysen.

The Kosmos 3-in-1 is now organised by the Secunda Marathon Club, main sponsor PWC and a permanent home base at Lake Umuzi.

“The event keeps growing year by year and the numbers reached a new record attendance in 2020, before the world came down with Covid-19,” said Ms Booysen.

Event organisers are hoping to see the 29th Kosmos 3-in-1 making a return in March 2022.

In the meantime with the 2021 race not being able to take place, Umuzi Lodge, The Merchant at Lake Umuzi and InnGreen @ Lake Umuzi have decided to move all bookings to the next race date, being 4 and 5 March 2022, at no extra cost and at the 2020 rates as booked and paid for.

“Umuzi Lodge, The Merchant at Lake Umuzi and InnGreen @ Lake Umuzi are only able to accommodate some 400 of the thousands who come to run each year, it stands to reason why the hotels and lodge accommodation are always fully booked by the Sunday following each Kosmos 3-in-1.

“Those, unfortunately, not being able to make next year’s race, may request a refund and it will be honoured in full ” said Ms Booysen.

Cancelled bookings will give new opportunities to runners who were not able to secure accommodation at Lake Umuzi.

Bookings are now open for 2022.