Given the massive challenges and disappointments since 2020 , John Osborne ’ s “ Look back in anger ” is outplayed by Liam Gallagher and the band Oasis , who instructed , “ Don ’ t look back in Anger … at least today !” So , as the New Year begins , Roy T Bennett ’ s words offer some positivity : “ Do not let the memories of your past limit the potential of your future .” Appropriate advice , given the rumbles of conceptual change that are projecting Omicron as the ‘ mild virus that will provide protection and improved natural immunity ,’ and of course , we welcome this as we tread gingerly into 2022 .
The powers that be speak of a projected 70 to 80 % immunity , allowing the removal of quarantines as well as track and trace , and decreased testing . Whether political face-saving or reality , this is the immunity level that leadership has determined as public ‘ parole criteria ’ to experience COVID freedom … and suddenly , in December , the scientists , health officials and politicians mysteriously amassed an increase from 25 % vaccination immunity to the required threshold that can set the country free . As we stumble towards the February National Disaster Management review , hope is rising for a modified ‘ normal ’ ahead .
Return to Racing
In light of this , many provincial athletics bodies have issued new fixture lists , and just as with good race pacing , the calendars commence conservatively , then pick up into racing mode , with clubs clambering for dates for events . We can expect a similar approach from runners , who were dropping out of races at a rate of 33 % from time of entry to start line in October . Now , with the reduction of both vaccination hesitancy and fear of crowds , that rate has improved to 20 to 25 %.
Worldwide figures , including the five Abbott Major Marathons with between 20,000 and 40,000 runners and other widely-broadcast events , did not attract any criticism for being super-spreaders … or even minorspreaders , for that matter ! And participation sports have been seen to be very low risk events , and good for overall health .
I think we can expect that South Africa will be back in full racing flow by March , potentially even with an
OUT OF THE BOX out of the box by NORRIE WILLIAMSON
Time to Look Forward
Given all that we have endured the past two years due to the COVID pandemic , now more than ever a New Year is a time for a retrospective view of the previous year ’ s highlights and lowlights , but then time to focus on the future .
increase in licensed runners as the general population become more aware that a healthy mind and body provides the greatest boost for immunity , and that natural immunity is 27 times ( researched ) better than vaccination .
Crossing Oceans
Exciting times lie ahead for participation sport , with one of the first potential beneficiaries being the 51 st Two Oceans Marathon . The event unfortunately requires major refurbishment of credibility and integrity following two years of cancellation , governance questions and the recent lack of follow-through on entry dates promised in December . The organisers have indicated that they are awaiting feedback from a stakeholder , but have kept who that is close to their chest . It is known that Western Province Athletics ( WPA ) has only officially sanctioned events until the end of January 2022 , until the General Council approves the provincial fixture list at the meeting on 20 January , so it is possible that this is the awaited go-ahead .
A lot of uncertainty still hangs over the 2022 Two Oceans Marathon
On one hand , it is understood that all events should be treated equally , but on the other hand , the impact of Oceans on other events affects many decisions for clubs all over the country , so one would hope that the hold-up is not with WPA . Wherever the delay lies , it is unfortunate , and frustrating , that an event with such heritage has its reputation and trust eroded by a delay in basic information . And this may lead to runners from other provinces and foreign runners deciding to go elsewhere , reducing the much-needed economic benefit for the Western Cape tourism industry .
Meanwhile , the proposed new two-day Easter Weekend set-up , with the Ultra on the Saturday and the Half Marathon on the Sunday , will hopefully allow the event to fill its allocated numbers . Even better , if regulations are indeed relaxed , hopefully even more entries will be allowed . Interestingly , the City of Cape Town keenly recognises the importance of the commercial impact of events for both the City and the province , and is thus encouraging events to accept increased numbers .
Images : Courtesy Two Oceans Marathon , Comrades Marathon , Nedbank Running Club
28 ISSUE 148 JANUARY 2021 | www . modernathlete . co . za