Durban - South Africa’s elite runners are raring to go at this year’s Comrades Marathon on Sunday.
The marathon is forecast to inject R248 million into the economy of KwaZulu-Natal according to KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma.
Duma said the 95th running of the “Ultimate Human Race” would bring a much-needed economic boost to the province, with accommodation occupancies reported to be peaking at 93% in Pietermaritzburg, and at 69% in Durban and uMhlanga for the weekend.
“The event will be held amid much fanfare following a two-year break brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He added that the province was “ready to ensure that runners and spectators, both national and international, have an exceptional experience in the destination”.
In a briefing yesterday, Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo said out of the 15 000 runners expected for the race, 1 000 were international runners and 500 were from the African continent.
Social runner and Comrades Marathon ambassador in Zambia, Nicholas Chibwe, said he was looking forward to using his energy to give back to deserving charities while also raising awareness and promoting health issues.
Chibwe, who is a former rugby player for the Zambian national team, said when he retired he gained weight which led to health problems, and this prompted him to start running to keep fit.
“Running and fitness can prevent many illnesses and reduce many health-related deaths, and by running the Comrades and being an ambassador I am doing my bit to contribute to society,” he said.
Elite male runners returning are defending champion Edward Mothibi, Nkosikhona Mhlakwana, Alex Milne, Bongmusa Mthembu and David Gatebe.
Women’s participants include American Camille Herron, the only athlete to win the 50km, 100km and 24-hour world championship, plus Charne Bosman, Jenna Challenor and Ann Ashworth.
The CMA said it did not expect any negative impact due to the race being broadcast on DStv SuperSport channel instead of the SABC channels as in previous years.
CMA race director Rowyn James said the race was expected to attract the same audience and support as in previous years, even with a new broadcaster.
James assured runners that the distance had been thoroughly calculated and there would be markings on the road counting down from the 89.885km from Pietermaritzburg City Hall to Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The broadcast of the 47th Down Run would have expert analyses from six commentators, among them nine-time winner Bruce Fordyce and former women’s champion Helen Lucre.
The race director also revealed that next year’s race would also be a Down Run and not an Up Run – the race usually alternated between starts in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
To commemorate the return of the Comrades Marathon, the KZN Department of Sports and Recreation in collaboration with KwaZulu-Natal Athletics will host the annual KZN Youth Run tomorrow at King’s Park Rugby Stadium Outer Fields.
The KZN Youth Run is made up of 5km and 10km races, starting and finishing at the King’s Park sport precinct. Entries comprise athletes selected from districts and school teams as well as the public.
“The KZN Youth Run is one of the most prominent developmental road races in the province and has historically taken place, a day before the Comrades Marathon. The 2020 and 2021 events did not take place due to the Covid-19- induced lockdown that put a halt on sporting activities.
“We are happy that this youth race is making a welcome return this year,” said MEC Amanda Bani-Mapena.