Cyclists with a "Running" Problem

[Hacc]

 

Dear Comrades Marathon Runner,

 

We are living through unprecedented, unpredictable and unimaginably challenging times.

 

 

 

On behalf of the Comrades Marathon Association, I thank you for your patience and apologise for the extent to which uncertainty as to the status of the 2020 Comrades Marathon may have added to your burden of anxiety, over matters far graver than any road race, over the past month. A reminder that we have promised to put an end to the uncertainty by 17 April.

 

 

 

For the past 32 days, CMA has been inundated with messages, phone calls, intense media speculation, personal representations and social media posts, which have fallen roughly into four categories – support, criticism, anxiety and expressions of concern regarding specific aspects pertaining to the race.

 

 

 

While we have appreciated and been bolstered by the messages of support we have received from runners, we have been equally touched and taken cognizance of the criticisms, expressions of anxiety and concerns pertaining to specific aspects, such as the cancellation of qualifying events, the substitution period, restrictions on training and entry fees.

 

 

 

In this message, I would like to assure our runners that CMA’s number one priority is to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of our runners, staff, volunteers, sponsors, stakeholders, fellow South Africans, and to the best possible extent, the world.  To that end we are engaging closely with our national federation, Athletics South Africa and through ASA will take guidance and direction from our Government as to the fate of #Comrades2020.

 

 

 

Considering the ramifications of the 21-day National Lockdown, and as Covid-19 numbers in South Africa and around the world continue to escalate, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that the 2020 Comrades Marathon will be staged on 14 June.

 

 

 

CMA’s main considerations at this stage are to encourage runners to abide by and respect all aspects and directives of Government in relation to the National Lockdown, in particular to STAY AT HOME and DO NOT RUN outside of one’s own property, as well as regard for the eventual safety, welfare and potential un-preparedness of runners after having experienced a three-week interruption in training, during the critical build-up to such a gruelling endurance race.

 

 

 

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 4 October 2020 owing to climatic conditions, failing which the 2020 Comrades Marathon will have to be cancelled.

 

 

 

We trust that runners will appreciate that within an extremely congested athletics calendar that is largely constructed around the Comrades Marathon, it is no easy task to identify an alternative date, given the impact it will have on other road running fixtures, the availability of venues and other resources, climatic conditions, and other competitive sporting and entertainment events which are also looking for alternative dates and venues in the latter half of the year.  As repeatedly stated, the decision will be announced by ASA in mid-April.

 

 

 

In the meantime, a reminder that the origins of the Comrades Marathon go back to 1918, when a humble war veteran and railways engine driver had the dream of staging a living memorial to the pain, hardship, injuries and deaths of soldiers who suffered so greatly in the First World War, as well as the spirit, camaraderie and fortitude with which they suffered. 

 

 

 

As South Africa and the world is currently engaged in an global war against an invisible enemy, it is perhaps fitting to reflect that the values of grit, determination, courage, hope, humanity and selflessness upon with the Comrades Marathon was founded have never been forgotten, as an entire nation celebrates the triumph over adversity each year, and for each and every one of us to re-double our own efforts to uphold them.  

 

 

 

On a lighter note, a huge cheer to those runners who are continuing to train, somehow putting in mind-boggling distances within the confines of their own backyards. But please spare a thought for the majority of our runners that do not have the option of such luxury. To all Comrades runners, be PROUD of the training you’ve already put in prior to the lockdown. It will never go to waste and you will be stronger for it! In the event of postponement, our Official Comrades Coach will provide advice as to how training schedules should be adjusted to prepare for a race later in the year.

 

 

 

In closing, the issues of qualifying and substitutions will be dealt with elsewhere in this newsletter.  With regard to the issue of entry fees, we wish to assure Comrades runners that in the event of postponement or unlikely cancellation, an announcement will be made of a policy that is in line with CMA’s commitment to always putting our Runners First.

 

 

 

In the meantime, stay safe, stay home, stay well and God bless.

[Lexx]

Even if a miracle happens and Comrades is still happening I wont risk getting infected by joining 18 000 - 20 000 people in 2 months time. I have made my peace that this year is a write off. 

I agree, even if they have the race before 4 October, how many people will maybe get infected. The virus wont disappear Within 3 months

[Pieter-za]

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 4 October 2020 owing to climatic conditions, failing which the 2020 Comrades Marathon will have to be cancelled.

That implies 1 May is the new 1 Jan.  

 

(With Rhodes scheduled for 3 Oct...)

 

I think many runners start ramping up training from ~Nov, eg  running Kaapse Hoop early Nov etc.  Going to be a loong season till C21

Edited April 7, 2020 by Pieter-za

[Mudsimus]

That implies 1 May is the new 1 Jan.

 

(With Rhodes scheduled for 3 Oct...)

 

I think many runners start ramping up training from ~Nov, eg running Kaapse Hoop early Nov etc. Going to be a loong season till C21

Everyone that owns a pair of shoes started doing laps around their houses all of a sudden. Come 2021 we might have a second running boom after the one parkrun created.

[b-rad]

So it looks like they are essentially saying that June won't happen, but will only announce this on their original date of 17 April. Should the event be cancelled completely then CMA will likely blame ASA and their scheduling issues. Personally I think August would be the latest the event could happen without getting too much in the way of the stacked SA spring/US Euro autumn calendar.

[Lexx]

So it looks like they are essentially saying that June won't happen, but will only announce this on their original date of 17 April. Should the event be cancelled completely then CMA will likely blame ASA and their scheduling issues. Personally I think August would be the latest the event could happen without getting too much in the way of the stacked SA spring/US Euro autumn calendar.

But can they guarantee the runner's safety from the corona virus? And we haven't even reached our peak for this outbreak yet.

[b-rad]

But can they guarantee the runner's safety from the corona virus? And we haven't even reached our peak for this outbreak yet.

I would imagine they would only hold the event if it's deemed safe to do so by various medical/government bodies? World Health Organization guidelines?

The same will have to happen with all the other events worldwide that have announced their new event dates.

If the event is deemed safe to go ahead and folk are still worried about the virus then surely they should be adult enough to make their own decision whether they participate or not?

[Stretch]

So it looks like they are essentially saying that June won't happen, but will only announce this on their original date of 17 April. Should the event be cancelled completely then CMA will likely blame ASA and their scheduling issues. Personally I think August would be the latest the event could happen without getting too much in the way of the stacked SA spring/US Euro autumn calendar.

But they didn't even say it... They put out some half arse weak media announcement saying maybe if and but. Spineless and directionaless

[Lexx]

But they didn't even say it... They put out some half arse weak media announcement saying maybe if and but. Spineless and directionaless

I agree fully with you Stretch... Doesn't seems like anyone wants to make a decision. Even the Olympics are cancelled. Jeez, and that's bigger than Comrades.

[Jackes]

I cannot understand all the moaning about Comrades.   Apart from them opening up subs which I don't agree with (unless they refund that money in full), I cannot understand what the issue is.   

 

Why do they have to take a decision about it now.  What is wrong with aligning with ASA and government with the lockdown and extending the final decision until a time where there is more clarity about what the situation is with the virus and then make a call about it.   That way it leaves the door open for it to happen, if possible in any way. 

 

They already acknowledged as much that it will be postponed and also the latest date to which it can, surely there is a thousand things that needs to be considered and needs to align for it to be possible.  No one here has the slightest idea what the organisation of this race holds in and affects.  

 

And if it gets cancelled, like we all suspect it might end up, then so what?  Whatever deposits has been paid is already gone anyways.  This way we all have an outside chance of perhaps making it happen this year. 

 

I think we as human beings ALWAYS have to moan about something.

[Stretch]

I cannot understand all the moaning about Comrades. Apart from them opening up subs which I don't agree with (unless they refund that money in full), I cannot understand what the issue is.

 

Why do they have to take a decision about it now. What is wrong with aligning with ASA and government with the lockdown and extending the final decision until a time where there is more clarity about what the situation is with the virus and then make a call about it. That way it leaves the door open for it to happen, if possible in any way.

 

They already acknowledged as much that it will be postponed and also the latest date to which it can, surely there is a thousand things that needs to be considered and needs to align for it to be possible. No one here has the slightest idea what the organisation of this race holds in and affects.

 

And if it gets cancelled, like we all suspect it might end up, then so what? Whatever deposits has been paid is already gone anyways. This way we all have an outside chance of perhaps making it happen this year.

 

I think we as human beings ALWAYS have to moan about something.

For one.. It's not even a difficult decision.. It's a no brainier that it won't go on.. And we all knew that over a month ago. Second point..... Because of the uncertainty people are trying to train in conditions that are not really suited for training.. And their minds should be in other things not in trying to get their miles in.. Thirdly.. Their lack of decision downplays the seriousness of this.

 

If I compare this to what Boston did.... An event that had a lot more history... And had never ever been postponed or cancelled in it's 124 years.... They announced they will be as making a decision on the next few days and then 2 days later they announced it. Ok that's end of April... But April, may, June, July.... It's all going to be in the air. To be Frank I don't see any sports events happening this year

 

It's quite obvious to everyone that the correct decision is to cancel or postpone. They should have announced it a month ago.. And that's what I find spineless about them

[Jackes]

This is an attitude I can align with...

 

https://twitter.com/jennaChallie1/status/1247418184451403777

[Jackes]

If you follow you comrades program now, then you are either a novice that will not listen to experienced advice or you cannot think for yourself.   You should be in December mode now.

 

 Because of the uncertainty people are trying to train in conditions that are not really suited for training.. And their minds should be in other things not in trying to get their miles in.. 

[Mudsimus]

If you follow you comrades program now, then you are either a novice that will not listen to experienced advice or you cannot think for yourself. You should be in December mode now.

I dont think anyone is still following any Comrades program. Unless you are running 300km around your house during the lockdown period.

[Craai]

I dont think anyone is still following any Comrades program. Unless you are running 300km around your house during the lockdown period.

Apparently some do

[Mudsimus]

Apparently some do

Then again Bennie is no novice...