Comrades 2011

The dust has hardly settled on Comrades 2010 and Comrades 2011 entries are open. In fact if I look down at my toes as I type this, the reminder of the epic 89km journey at the end of May are still visible. Two toenails have leaped off and there are at least another two hanging toenaciously on in a futile attempt to cling to life.

And yet now entries for Comrades 2011 have been opened. Last year was a huge success with nearly 20,000 people running the 89km epic ultra marathon form Pietermaritzburg to Durban. And what a race it was. The weather was perfect - cool but not wet. The support as usual lined nearly the entire 89km route. The organisation was smooth. The comradeship (which is what it is about after all) was epic. It's an epic event, that requires and epic effort, but you are rewarded with the most unbelievable feeling when you enter the stadium. Having now completed 5 Comrades (nothing compared to some who have done 40+), I am still blown away by the feeling of running into the stadium. The cheering, the music, the smiles, the surge of emotion makes many a man cry with joy.

And so now Comrades 2011 entries are open. This year it works slightly different to last year with entries being open to everyone (not just previous finishers first). Anyone from South Africa or Internationally can enter, even before qualifying. HOWEVER entries close on the end of November or as soon as 18,000 entries are received. And remember last year? The 5,000 spaces that went in 40 hours. SO DO NOT WAIT!

So, if you are even vaguely considering doing Comrades next year, then enter - they will not open extra spaces, even if you do the haka mixed with a moon walk in nothing but your skin!

So go here (http://ping.fm/t6NmR) now and enter or visit their website (http://www.comrades.com) - BUT don't wait till tomorrow - remember tomorrow all beers are free...but that is tomorrow, tomorrow...

See you on the road...and hopefully in Comrades 2011 - the most epic race on the planet!

Yours in Running Easy...
Craig