Alpha Centurion Archives - The Running Mann

A Green Number that’s lain dormant for three decades, a lockdown lawnmower loop and proof that “never again” is just Comrades-speak for “ask me again tomorrow”.

There are comebacks, and then there are Comrades comebacks. Missing a year or two because of injury, life or a sudden outbreak of common sense is understandable. A decade away from the Ultimate Human Race will earn you a few raised eyebrows and a respectful nod. But returning to Comrades after 31 years, at the age of 72 years and 11 months, is the sort of thing that makes even the most battle-hardened Green Number stop mid-war story and ask, “What took you so long to return?”

[This article was originally published on Sport24.co.za]

Following on from the in-depth look at the Comrades Marathon Association’s decision not to refund 2020 entrants, this article evaluates the ‘refund / no refund’ decisions of South Africa’s other large marathons and ultras who’ve been forced to cancel their 2020 events during the coronavirus pandemic.

READ: Money or the Goody Bag? The Great Comrades Refund Debate article.

Of the Big 5 ultra marathons, only Om Die Dam took place in 2020. The largest four ultra marathons have all been cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic with only Loskop being able to offer full refunds.

South Africa’s largest three marathons are all still planned for last quarter of 2020. The Wally Hayward Marathon is the only Big 5 marathon impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic to date but were able to offer the choice of a refund or deferred entry to runners.

Continue reading “Race Relations: Cancellation Controversy in the time of Corona”

Tag: Alpha Centurion

Never Say Never Again: 31 Years for the “one in your Green Number” run at Comrades

Race Relations: Cancellation Controversy in the time of Corona

[This article was originally published on Sport24.co.za]