Comrades 2000 will be a run to remember

All sorts of figures are being bandied about concerning the size of the field for next year's 2000 Comrades. Everything from 10 000 to 15 000 and even more than 20 000. I'm inclined to believe it will be a field of over 20 000 runners and at the very least a record field for next year's "up" run. No one is sure, but one thing is certain: it will be a special event and excitement is building for this Millennium run.

The monthly Rockies panel discussions for novice runners are always a good indication of the enthusiasm for Comrades. Hosted by Don Oliver and Dennis Tabakin these discussions are an invaluable aid for novice runners in Gauteng.

These talks have been hosted by Don and Dennis since 1980 and they have proved so successful that even experienced runners pitch up just to get fired up and excited about the Comrades.

Over the years several thousand runners have had trouble-free runs at Comrades thanks to these two experts. The panel usually has a previous winner and one or two other speakers to advise novices.

Held on the last Tuesday of every month the first for the next running season was held last week. This is usually not well attended as it is still early days and Comrades fever doesn't really grab runners until the New Year.

This year, however, there was a record turnout of over 300 runners. Ninety percent were very enthusiastic first-timers, all determined to finish the run on June 16, 2000. Alan Robb (four-times winner of the race) was overwhelmed at the response.

There is going to be a record number of novices in a record field, and this despite the fact that it will be an "up" run. Most runners mistakenly believe that because the "up" run is slightly slower and hillier, it is more difficult so there tends to be a smaller field whenever runners have to go up Polly Shorts. This seems not to be the case this year and that, notwithstanding the direction, this will be a huge field.

There are several factors encouraging runners to tackle next year's Comrades. First of all it is the Millennium run and a special gala event. There is something special about the first run of the 2000's. Coincidently it is also the 75th anniversary of the Comrades, the 75th running of the race that started in 1921.

Anniversary Comrades are always special. Some runners will recall the 50th run in 1975, many the 1988 run which celebrated the 150th anniversary of Pietermaritzburg. There is always a little something extra at these special celebratory Comrades marathons.

Apart from the sense of occasion at next year's run there are a number of innovations that have grabbed runners' attention. There will be new, extra-large medals struck for the run. (I have had a sneak preview. They are magnificent!).

As an unusual once-off gesture the CMA have allowed a 12-hour cut-off time for next year's race. The extra hour has inspired hundreds of runners to consider entering. Those whose genetics make them slow, the older, the injured and a host of near-miss runners will be lining up determined to get that elusive finisher's medal.

In addition many walkers have realised that with a little early running and a lot of steady walking they too can finish the Comrades in under 12 hours. Walking is one of South Africa's most popular and rapidly growing sports and we know many walkers will be lining up at the start line next June.

The new half-silver, half-bronze medal for runners breaking nine hours has inspired hundreds, possibly thousands of runners to have a go at winning something unique and different from the normal bronze. Their magnificent medal is called a Bill Rowan, named after the first winner of the Comrades who ran a nine-hour when he won in 1921. On my daily training runs I keep meeting runners whose eyes gleem when I ask them what they are aiming for.

"A Bill Rowan" is the enthusiastic reply.

But more than anything the 2000 Comrades promises to be a celebration, a party and a reunion, and many older runners are returning to the race to walk down memory lane and renew old acquaintances. Many, who have not run for a number of years, are lining up once more to accept the challenge and see if the body and spirit are still up to it.

Some of these runners, on paper, are very experienced. Don Oliver calls them the green number novices. "Green number" because they have run 10 or more Comrades marathons. "Novices" because the date of their last run is at times alarmingly long ago.

Some of them are in for rude shocks when they see how time, age, family and work responsibilities have taken their toll and slowed them down. It will, however, take a lot to stop these runners becoming a part of probably the most significant Comrades Marathon since that first race back in 1921. It is very hard for any competitive runner to resist the urge to be there next June. For that reason it looks as if a huge field is going to line up on June 16th. I for one wouldn't miss it for anything.