COMRADES NEWS
It Takes a Village …
The Comrades Marathon medal is one of the most sought after in South African running, but financial or logistical challenges can make it even harder for some runners to complete the race and earn that medal. That’ s where the GEMS Comrades Runners Village Programme steps in, provides support to disadvantaged runners, ensuring they can participate in The Ultimate Human Race.
The GEMS Comrades Runners Village Programme, supported by the Government Employees Medical Scheme( GEMS), offers a range of support services to eligible runners, including accommodation, meals and transport on the weekend of the race. This sees up to 800 athletes provided with safe sleeping quarters, with a comfortable mattress and blanket, at the YMCA in Alan Paton Road, Pietermaritzburg, on the eve of the race( 7 June 2025) and the night of the race( 8 June 2025). A nutritious dinner on race day eve, tea / coffee on race morning, and a hearty supper on the night of the race are provided to all these runners.
While the runners need to take care of their own initial transport to get from their place of residence to the Runners Village in Pietermaritzburg, and back home after the race weekend is done, they are provided with transport from the Runners Village to the start, and from the finish venue in Durban back to Pietermaritzburg after the race.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the programme, CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo says,“ We are committed to making the Comrades Marathon accessible to all runners, regardless of their financial situation. The GEMS Comrades Runners Village Programme is a testament to our dedication to inclusivity and the spirit of the Comrades Marathon.”
These pictures from the 2024 Runners Village show some of the set-up offered to the runners.
Images: Richard Dobbin
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