COMRADES WINE COLLECTION
BORN FROM THE SPIRIT
OF THE JOURNEY
The COMRADES MARATHON is a collection of incredible stories, unique to each event, each runner, each supporter, each spectator, each official, each volunteer; simply each individual who has a link of some form with the event. The COMRADES WINE COLLECTION has been created to allow those stories to be shared and celebrated with the family and friends of all those whose lives have been influenced in whichever form by THE ULTIMATE HUMAN RACE.
Brad Glasspoole grew up as a “Comrades orphan”, following his father, Arnie Glasspoole, from his first race in 1972 through to his Green Number, 1942, and 17 successful finishes. A stint as a volunteer led Brad to Comrades House, where he had the privilege of managing the Race Office from the 1997 event through to 2003. Brad’s highlights included the introduction of race “themes”, the historic Year 2000 Comrades, the conceptualisation of THE ULTIMATE HUMAN RACE, and the opportunity to interact with incredible people during this time. People who shared such varied stories that added to the tapestry of an incredible event, the COMRADES MARATHON. Being asked to manage a Wine Festival led to a passion for wine. Acknowledging himself as a “wine pleb”, each day is a learning experience about what a simple berry, enjoyed for thousands of years, can add to the stories of life. People who love wine love to share, not only the wine, but the stories behind it. If ever there was a symbiotic relationship, it is a bottle of wine and a Comrades runner: a simple excuse to start a conversation and share a story.
Finding the right partner was incredibly important. Adding credibility to the COMRADES WINE COLLECTION was a priority. Charles Back is a legend in the world of South African wine, and his story is deeply intertwined with Fairview. Charles joined his father Cyril at Fairview in 1978 after completing his oenological training at Elsenburg Agricultural Institute, and in 1995 took over full responsibility for the farm following his father’s passing. From the outset, he was determined to do things differently, championing Mediterranean varieties, exploring new vineyard sites and regions, and pushing the boundaries of what South African wine could be. His contribution to the industry has been recognised with numerous accolades, including the International Wine Challenge Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and the 1659 Wine Industry Medal of Honour in 2017.
But perhaps what makes Charles the right partner for the COMRADES WINE COLLECTION isn't simply the awards. It is the same spirit of curiosity, endurance and doing things differently that sits at the heart of both Fairview and the Comrades Marathon. Both are, in their own ways, about the long road, the people you meet along it, and the stories worth sharing when you finally reach the finish.
