SA Heartbroken as 2021 Comrades Cancelled Due to Global Pandemic
- The 2021 Comrades Marathon has been cancelled owing to the coronavirus pandemic
- The marathon was scheduled to take place on 13 June from Pietermartizburg
- South Africans have not taken the news lightly as many shared their disappointment
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The 2021 Comrades Marathon, scheduled for 13 June, has been cancelled. Last year the marathon was cancelled for the first time since World War 2. This year's marathon would've started in Pietermaritzburg and finish in Durban.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) announced the cancellation through their social media on Wednesday. The CMA said:
"The CMA Board has regrettably announced its decision to cancel the Comrades Marathon Centenary Race scheduled for 13 June 2021, owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic."
Source: Getty Images
Take a look at the tweet by @ComradesRace below:
A report by IOL stated that the Comrades cancellation will be a big financial blow. In 2019, reports said that the race had earned around R700 million.
SAns have had mixed reactions to the news of the cancellation. Take a look at some of the responses to the tweet below:
@charnebosman said:
"This must have been the hardest decision ever by CMA. We stand behind you. We will be back in 2022 stronger than before. #stronger #comrades2022 #dontgiveup."
@DJ_CUPPA wrote:
"Well done on cancelling with plenty of notice. It seems you've learnt from last year!"
@yelowman1968 tweeted:
"Devastated to read this. The wait for a third medal continues. See you next year."
@yelowman1968 responded with:
"Devastated to read this. The wait for a third medal continues. See you next year."
@LawrenceRamano added:
"Was looking forward to watching the race on my birthday..."
In other comrades news, Briefly.co.za previously reported on South Africans taking part in the virtual Comrades Marathon. The Comrades Marathon draws keen athletes from across the globe but the 2020 race was called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Briefly.co.za reported that public gatherings of over 50 people are prohibited with only the exception of funerals and religious gatherings. Many South Africans missed out on the adrenaline of the traditional race while countless took part in a virtual version.
Sifiso Nkosi was one of the local participants, reflecting on his personal journey to the point where he could compete in the 21km marathon:
"1km To Go... From a guy who was obese just 13 months ago and who ran his first 21km race in 03:11:22 to a guy who ran today's 21km in 2:29:20. I am proud of myself"
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Source: Briefly News
