Perseverance in the time of an epidemic. Undaunted in a time of doubt. In trying times we live vicariously through our heroes. Their accomplishments are our triumphs. That is why we watch them, why we root for them, why we celebrate them. These heroes are our sportsmen and women.

For more than half of this year we have lived in the epoch of the unknown and the arenas where our gladiators compete have been silent. Fate, that sometimes cruel mistress, has squeezed from us many a joy, but her grip is slowly fading.

For this reason and for so much more the North-West University (NWU) is proud to announce that it will host the Potchefstroom leg of the Sanlam Cape Town Virtual Marathon – Elite Invitational on Sunday, 18 October.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the marathon will follow an undisclosed route to comply with national crowd control regulations. However, the event will be broadcast live on SABC. The race starts at 06:15.

Leading the charge in Potchefstroom will be one of the NWU’s most decorated athletes, Elroy Gelant. Gelant was unable to complete the recently held London Marathon due to back pain, but the 34-year-old, who plies his trade as a human resources manager at the NWU, is receiving treatment. This Olympian and Two Oceans champion should pose a major threat to the rest of the field.

Only a relatively small number of elite athletes are allowed to run on the officially designated route, but other athletes can participate in the event virtually. Conjoint legs of the marathon will also be held in Pretoria and Cape Town.

The race can also be tracked on Twitter by following the hashtags #RaceLikeNoOther and #RunForSomething at the marathon’s @ctmarathon account.

Elroy Gelant