PAYING TRIBUTE TO WOMEN TRAILBLAZERS

August is always a special month on the South African calendar, having been declared a month specifically dedicated to women. The 9th of August has been celebrated as Women’s Day since 1995 in commemoration of a significant event in the history of South Africa.

On the same day in 1956, thousands of women of all races marched to the Union Buildings to petition against the apartheid government’s pass laws.

Throughout history, women have had to stand up to make their voices heard in a society marred by discrimination. Even in the history of the Comrades Marathon, women have had to assert themselves in what was a male-dominated race for many years.

One woman, Frances Hayward, decided to attempt this gruelling race in 1923. Back in the day this was frowned upon as it was believed that a woman’s place was at home looking after the children.

However, the 1920s, aptly referred to as the ‘Roaring 20s’, was a period of rapid social change, and nothing deterred young Frances from proving that women could also run one of the most challenging races.

She successfully completed the race, becoming the first woman to do so, finishing in 11:35:00, with some time to spare before the 12-hour cut-off.

Although she didn’t receive a medal, since women were not allowed to compete officially in the race at the time, fellow runners and spectators pitched in to buy her a rose bowl and tea set.

This month we pay tribute to trailblazers such as Frances, especially since August is also the same month in which she was born. We also pay tribute to all the other women who have left an indelible mark on the history of The Ultimate Human Race.

Did you know?

• Betty Cavanagh became the first official women’s champion in 1975 when women and people of colour were allowed to participate officially in the race for the first time.
• In 1980 Olive Anthony became the first woman of colour to complete the race and in 1990 she became the first woman of colour to receive a Green Number.
• The first woman to receive a Green Number is Daphne Ledlie (in 1985).
• The first time a gold medal was awarded to the female winner was in 1983, to Lindsay Weight.
• Prize money was introduced in 1995 but women only received equal prize money since 2002.