S3|E4 - Welcoming a New Era of The Comrades Marathon with Chief Jogger Ann Ashworth
Name a road race to hail from the humble African continent that has stood the test of time, a world war and an international outbreak of disease? There is only but one ultra-marathon distance that since it's inception, has captured the hearts of fearless athletes and enthusiastic spectators alike, with its unfailing traditions and numbers that grow larger with each passing year, made up of people who have travelled from all corners or the globe to be immersed, if just for one day, in the magic that is The Comrades Marathon.You can imagine that such a race means EVERYTHING to the custodians that ensure that it keeps on going. The custodians being our nation and her people; the legends of the race who continue to inspire the hopefuls, from the green numbers to the novices, the seconders, cheerleaders, club captains, sponsors and TV crews...Comrades would not be the race that it is today if not for the camaraderie that it has encouraged and upheld as it's core value for more than a century and counting.Any person who accepts the job to be the 'Chief Jogger' of this momentous race must have some serious backbone, guts, grit and then some...well, she does and she's got the legs too! In this episode we chat to the newly appointed Race & Operations Manager of The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), Ann Ashworth, who you may recognise as the female winner of the 2018 Ultimate Human Race.In our conversation we chat about: The responsibilities of Ann's position and the events that led to her appointment.The intricacies of the CMA; portfolio's, role players, charities and the many other aspects of hosting an event of this magnitude.The challenges of 'modernising' a race that's deeply steeped in tradition.Ann's key points of focus for improving the 2024 race, including the efforts she is making to reform the Elite Race experience.Ann's love for running, Comrades Marathon and how this vantage point is driving her decision making.For any one who has been touched by the magic of Comrades or hopes to be some day, this episode should be one of interest as we look to welcome a new era, while upholding the legend, of The Ultimate Human Race. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave a review or share it with a running buddy.Happy listening.