The Comrades Marathon, the world’s oldest ultra-marathon, was the brainchild of First World War veteran Vic Clapham, who came up with the idea as an annual commemoration of the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers during the war.
Clapham had been part of a monumental 2 700km pursuit by British forces of German and African troops under General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck through sweltering German East Africa, and had been moved by the resilience of his fellow soldiers. He therefore wanted the race to be a unique test of physical endurance. The constitution of the Comrades Marathon states that one of its primary aims is to “celebrate [humankind’s] spirit over adversity”.
SMALL BEGINNINGS
The first Comrades took place on Empire Day (24 May) in 1921, and was run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. A total of 48 runners originally entered the race, but only 34 lined up for the starter’s gun at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall. Most were ex-infantry men.
Ahead of the runners was a daunting dust road, which was only tarred for a few kilometres outside of Durban. A time limit of 12 hours was set for the contestants to finish the race. The 90km course had no watering stops and the runners relied on passers-by or the odd second who had driven ahead to supply them with water.
Injuries were inevitable. Most were to feet and ankles, caused by tramping on loose stones on the uneven and sometimes corrugated surfaces. A number of the runners ran in army boots!
The tradition of people cheering on the runners began in this first race, with young boys even running short distances with the participants.
Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 26 August 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 26 August 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
