A new award, and tradition, was introduced in 2009 for the 21st Rhodes Run, the 'Cut-off Blanket'.
The 'Cut-off' blanket is awarded to the first runner after the 4½ hour cut at the top of Mavis Bank. The fleece blanket is embroidered with the year and is a 'one-off' making it something of a treasured award.
The first blanket was presented by Comrades Marathon legend 'Waltzing' Dave Wright to Annamarie le Roux. Annamarie says that the blanket is too big for her display cabinet so is proudly displayed in her lounge.
Presented at the top of Mavis Bank and one of the most desired awards at the Rhodes Run but difficult to 'win' as runners clamber up to reach the Mavis Bank Check Point before the air horn echoes across the valley signalling 'time'.
Difficult to 'win' the unwanted blanket once, but the odds on a second blanket?
In 2014 Estelle Wessels received the 'Cut-off' blanket at the top of Mavis.
Estelle collected her second 'Cut-off' blanket this year. A feat that is unlikely to be repeated anytime soon. One of the blankets possibly to be shared with husband Frank who scrapped in at the Finish later in the day.
