Comrades Marathon 2012
The very first Comrades Marathon took place on Empire Day on the 24th of May 1921 beginning at the Pietermaritzburg city Hall.
The race has since taken place annually, only being missed during the years of war in 1941-1945.
All of this came out of Vic Clapham, a man who wanted to honour all war veterans by doing something annually to remember them and celebrate their efforts. And so the Comrades Marathon was born.
Now as a child I remember the insanity, the joy, the buzz and of course, the humanity of this event. And as much as I don’t exactly sit glued to my television to watch it, I do find myself tuning in towards the end of the race. Where there are feats so great and impassioned that in that moment you find that humanity at its most perfect.
Over the years the marathon has developed their own traditions and awards- such as the Geraldine Watson Trophy which awarded to the last runner to finish. The trophy was there to honour a woman who had been a participant, helper or spectator at every Comrade’s since the 1920’s till her passing in 1975.
Now dear readers at this moment I want to take the time to encourage you. Not all of us may be runners, or even want to watch but I urge to witness this amazing event at least once in your lifetime.
I’ve been lucky to be there on several occasions and have always been amazed and moved by the people who give themselves to this race so completely.
This year’s race will begin in Pietermaritzburg and head to Durban, on Sunday the 3rd of June 2012.
So make sure you head on over! If you’re coming from out of Durban, then call us or get in contact with Optima Holidays and let us sort out your accommodation for you!
Wherever you may go let us at Optima Holidays take the fuss out of planning your holiday! Contact us on +27 31 701 9999 /0860 333 666 or log onto the website www.optimabreaks.com to find out more about what is on offer.
Tags: comarades amazing race, comarades marathon, Comarades marathon 2012, comarades marathon accommodation, comarades marathon pietermaritzburg, Optima Breaks, Optima Holidays, self catering accommodation, vic clapham comarades marathon, witness comarades marathon 2012
June 16th, 2012 at 8:00 am
Great web site. Plenty of useful information here. I am sending it to some pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks for your sweat!
July 13th, 2012 at 4:33 am
Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness to your put up is just great and i could think you are a professional in this subject. Well along with your permission allow me to clutch your RSS feed to keep up to date with imminent post. Thank you a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.
August 14th, 2012 at 9:39 am
Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thanks However I’m experiencing challenge with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting an identical rss problem? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx