GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Runners across South Africa, and the world, have united amid Covid-19 restrictions in a way that still allows for social distancing - digitally.
The Comrades ultra-marathon, which was cancelled earlier this year, made history on 14 June with its virtual Race the Comrades Legends event.
Runners from all walks of life could enter the event, as categories also included a 5km, 10km, 21km, 45km and, of course, the 90km run.
The event allowed runners the entire day to complete their specific event wherever; in their neighbourhood, around the block or on a treadmill. Walkers and runners then shared their results with a fitness app, such as Strava, or manually entered their results.
The event saw around 30 000 participants from around the world, and funds raised through entries will go towards charities that assist Covid-19 relief efforts.
"It was a good way to burn off the lockdown weight," laughed Caitlin Foley, a Graaff-Reinet resident.
She participated in the 10km event, and her route stretched from Bourke Street to the gate of the Camdeboo National Park and back. "I entered because it was way easier and more scenic than entering the original Comrades."
Lauren Mcclean, also from Graaff-Reinet, also completed the 10km event. "It was most likely the last time I could say that I participated in a Comrades event," she said about entering.
"Most races have also been cancelled, so to be able to participate in something virtually and still get a medal afterwards is pretty cool."
(Not) parkrun launches
Worldwide Covid-19 restrictions still do not allow weekly parkrun events, but parkrun Global have launched "(not) parkrun" to encourage its participants to remain active. So, what is (not) parkrun? You guessed it, it is not a parkrun, and runners must still not pitch up to their local parkrun events on a Saturday morning.
Instead, walkers and runners can participate in a weekly 5km walk, jog or run of their own; anytime and anywhere, and submit their results to their parkrun profile. You can record up to one activity per day, with your fastest time each week included in a weekly results table. Participating in (not) parkrun does not count towards parkrun milestones, and there are no volunteering opportunities. "This is simply a walk, jog, run initiative," parkrun Global said in a statement.
Participants need to be registered parkrunners to submit their details, but registering is as easy as get ready, get set, go!
"Parkrun will be back," the statement added. "In the meantime, and just for fun, we invite you to participate in (not) parkrun. Why not?"
Readers can find out more at parkrun.com.
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