Comrades 2020 14th June 2020

I asked Angie  to let us know about her recent adventure …

Comrades “Race The Legends” 2020

For decades, six official charities in South Africa have looked forward to support and funding from the International Running Community participating in the Comrades Ultramarathon. Further to that it gives less forunate athletes an opportunity to train and compete.

Due to the Covid pandemic there was a concern that this year the charities would go without.

However, the Comrades Committee came up with the idea of organising a virtual event. To make the race more attractive to people around the globe, the distances were changed to 5km, 10km, 21.1km 45km and the ultimate 90km.

The rules of the virtual race were:

1. Individual runners create their own route.
2. Runners had to record their run, with no stopage time.
3. Run your distance on Sunday 14^th June 2020 before midnight in your country.

A couple of runners from Stockport Harriers who usually run Comrades each year in South Africa, sent messages to everyone they knew to try raise as much interest as possible. Within a couple of weeks dozens of local runners joined the thousands already running around the world. Upon signing up and registering for the virtual race, I chose the 21.1k distance, we were sent our numbers and we had bibs printed for us so we could use it on the day.

It was such a surreal feeling choosing exactly when and where to start. Albeit life has been surreal since March so what’s new!

I did my warm up, and stood on a line that I had created to use as my start. I started my Garmin just like any normal race and off I went. It was already hot but not as hot as South Africa, Phew!

I decided to run from Marple Bridge to High Lane along Middlewood Way, and then doubled back along the canal to Marple, out to Disley and then up the hill into Hague Bar. So, for the first 8-9 miles I’d been making good progress, particularly as I was recovering from a knock. As I hit the hills on Strines Road heading back into Marple it really started to hurt, but I knew I only had a few miles to go. I could have kept the route flat but I wanted to make it as real as possible, and I found myself smiling at points along the way. I was under no pressure from anyone, trying to keep up with them or overtake them…“You’re such a head runner” I hear you say!

Due to social distancing I was cautious of other people. I certainly gave them a warning with “excuse me, coming to your right” or “sorry but I’m in a race”. I certainly got a few looks but hey, who cares, I was enjoying myself. (I can’t believe I said that about a race).

After finishing my 21.1k and grabbing a quick shower at home, I headed back down to Middlewood Way where all the 45k runners were arriving back from their earlier start. Stockport Harriers organised a finishing point, ribbon to run through and loads of socially distanced family and friends for anyone who wanted a cheer at the end. There was plenty of cake, danish pastries and a beer at the finish with of course loads of photos and chat about the experience…just like every other race we do.

It was a fabulous ending to a great race, especially for the runners doing the 45k they certainly deserved it!

In total, 43,788 runners took part from 103 different countries. (A bit different from the 2019’s 21,625 runners). In the 21.1k distance, I finished 221 out of 5,649 runners and 3^rd in my age group of 367. Not too bad for an old Grannie!

So you see, you have to appreciate the small happy times during this ‘unusual’ way we are living our lives right now.

I can’t wait to receive my official medal and t-shirt.

 

I ran the Comrades!!

 

Angie