SEDGEFIELD NEWS - Without a Tuff for the going to get this year, the Sedgefield Striders Athletics Club has extended an invite to all who would have run the race, to do so anyway at their own liberty, at any time this year.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic took the region by storm last year, the Tortoise Tuff was the last official running race, securing itself a special and unique place in the annals of running races in 2020.
While there have been other races that've taken place since then as nationwide lockdown levels decreased in 2020, when the country went into the adjusted Level 3 lockdown on 29 December, all hope of running races was put on hold once again.
Now, just over a month on from the announce-ment and with roughly a month before it was scheduled to take place, organisers of the Tortoise Tuff have taken the tough decision to officially cancel the 2021 edition of the race. But, this is not stopping the committee from challenging the public to still do the Tuff, albeit in a different way.
"No - we are not having a virtual race, nor are we hosting an unofficial event. And we certainly are not asking you [runners] to cough up entry fees," said Sedgefield Striders committee member Bomber Webb in a letter to all who showed interest in the race.
"We would just like to invite you to come to Sedgefield - on any day of the year - and run (or walk) the Tortoise Tuff. Either the 10km or the 30km (or something in between, if you'd like!)"
Second-placed trail runner Anderson Ncube powers along during last year's Tortoise Tuff. Photos: Emma Rorke / EL Rorke Photography
While this means there won't be any official prizes, medals, or anything of the sort, those who routinely take part in the race can do so in their own capacity, at their own pace, and potentially to the benefit of the town too.
"There will be no fanfare, road marshals, official timekeeping, water tables, people cheering you on along the way. And no medals either. But you will know you have done the course, you'll have enjoyed the wondrous fauna and flora of Sedgefield, and the Sedgefield community will be glad you came to visit," Webb said.
Further encouraging people to visit the Slow Town, he said, "Please remember there are loads of other activities in Sedgefield for your family members who, perhaps, haven't discovered the joys of putting toe to tarmac.
"Our Saturday morning markets are legendary, we have numerous eateries and particularly fine coffee shops, not to mention glorious walks, paragliding, fishing, mountain bike courses, and our beaches are the best. So come on - you can accept our invitation (no need to RSVP) any month, any day, any time. Come for a few hours, make a weekend of it, or stay even longer."
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