The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) said it’s all systems go for the 97th Comrades Marathon to be held on Sunday.
The official route distance for this year’s Up Run is 85.91 kilometres, from Durban to Pietermaritzburg and will include more than 20 000 runners.
According to CMA, more than 2 000 runners are coming from outside South Africa, rest of Africa 1 085, International 1 386, and the biggest foreign contingents hail from Zimbabwe.
According to the CMA, there will be 48 fully stocked refreshment stations, which will include fluids, energy bars, energy biscuits, bananas, oranges, cooked potatoes, and medical facilities. amongst others.
To ensure a smooth and uninterrupted 1000 marshals plus 200 community marshals will assist the law enforcement authorities and the CMA’s security service provider on race day.
“We have catered in every possible way to make the 97th Comrades Marathon a memorable and hassle-free experience for our runners.
We wish all participants a great run, on Sunday,” said CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo.
Meanwhile, following complaints from the runners related to the cut-offs, the CMA has revised the cut-off times to be applied during this year’s race.
The CMA said the amendment has been made to account for the time taken for athletes to cross the start line, the ongoing roadworks at Sherwood and public recommendations made regarding the correct pacing to be applied by athletes in the first half of the race.
Some of the notable runners in the female category include defending champion and two-time winner Gerda Steyn, Adele Broodryk, Galaletsang Mekgoe, former champion Alexandra Morozova, Jenet Mbhele and Carla Molinaro.
The men’s group include defending champion two-times winner Tete Dijana, Edward Mothibi, three-time champion Bongmusa Mthembu, Nkosikhona Mhlakwana and Teboho Sello.
The race will start at the Durban City Hall and is expected to conclude 12 hours later at the Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
