By Iqbal Gafoor
Four of Lenasia Athletic Club’s members who were ready to take on the Pick n Pay Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon on Saturday, July 14 were rather very disappointed not to compete in the race due to inclement weather that griped the entire country over that weekend.
The race had to be cancelled due to flooding and a terrible wind storm that made being out in the forest impossible. The four including New York runner, Sylvia Nadoo, club chairman, Hassim Ismail, Imraan Wajoodien and double green finisher at Comrades Marathon 2012, Serina Desai.
When I spoke to them during the week, the four were upbeat about running through the forest and were really looking forward to it. In fact their discussions were much more about the Knysna race, about the beautiful places to visit and about the fun they were going to have.
Well, that fun was short lived, as the cold front moved in, havoc started with torrential rain and heavy winds. On Saturday morning they made their way to the start, scheduled for 6.00am but as they got closer they were stopped by officials who informed them that the race was cancelled due to the weather.
Their faces at that time said it all.
Those words just shocked the Lenasia four who were also terrified at the news and also the strong winds pounding against their mode of transport and the place where they were staying. ‘a terrible experience’ said M/s Naidoo.
