THE FINISH
8 FIND YOUR RUNNER
The easiest way for supporters to track runners throughout race day is via the official Comrades Marathon App, which provides live timing updates and athlete tracking. Supporters who require assistance may also visit either CMA Information Centres, where staff can assist with timing information and runner location updates.
9 MEDICAL RUNNER UPDATES
During the entry process, all participants were required to nominate an emergency contact person. This contact will be notified of any medical incidents or emergencies involving the runner during the race. Should a participant require medical attention, the nominated contact person may receive one or more of the following notifications:
• Your runner has been transported from the route to a hospital.
• Your runner has been admitted to the St John’ s Recovery Facility at the Finish for post-race treatment.
• Your runner has been admitted to the Medical Tent at the Finish.
• Your runner has been transferred from the Medical Tent to a hospital.
• Your runner has been discharged from the Medical Tent.
Important Information for Family and Friends The Medical Tent at the Finish is a restricted area for runners and medical personnel only. Due to the high volume of patients receiving treatment and the operational demands within the facility, particularly during the final two hours of the race, relatives and friends will not be permitted to enter the Medical Tent. Supporters seeking information about a runner’ s condition should report to Medical Waiting Tent. While waiting, they receive updates on the runner’ s condition and anticipated discharge time.
10 MEETING POINTS
To make post-race reunions easier, designated Meeting Points A, B, C and D have been established throughout the finish venue. Participants and supporters are encouraged to agree on a meeting point before race day, as cellular networks often become congested due to the large crowds in attendance.
11 INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY AREA
International participants are invited to make use of the dedicated International Hospitality Area after completing the race. The facility provides comfortable seating, refreshments, light snacks and a welcoming environment, where runners can relax, recover, reconnect with fellow international athletes and meet family and friends while enjoying the post-race atmosphere.
12 CLUB HOSPITALITY & GAZEBOS
Club hospitality sites and gazebos are positioned throughout the Finish Precinct and allocated according to each club’ s booking tier. Hospitality marquees( Tier 1 & Tier 2) are located to the right of the Runner Chill Zone exit, while club gazebos( Tier 3) are positioned to the left. Participants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their club’ s location before race day.
13 FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY FUN
The Finish Precinct is designed to be a celebration for runners and supporters alike. A variety of food and beverage vendors, together with the Castle Lite Beer Garden, will operate throughout the venue, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere. Families can also enjoy the dedicated Kids Zone, operating from 10h00 to 18h00. Suitable for children aged 4 to 13 years, the fenced area will feature face painting, balloon artists, colouring activities, TV games, magic shows, a soft play area and a popcorn station.
14 INFORMATION CENTRES
Two CMA Information Centres will operate within the Finish Precinct and can assist with:
• Venue maps
• Club hospitality locations
• Runner tracking enquiries
• Emergency information
• Medical enquiries
• Lost and Found services- parents are encouraged to ensure children know their parents’ names and contact details and running club information
All official participant information will be communicated through these centres.
15 RESCUE TENT
The Rescue Tent is a dedicated facility within the Finish Precinct for runners who are unable to complete the race and are transported to the finish by official Comrades Marathon rescue buses. This facility provides a safe, sheltered environment where runners can rest, recover and receive assistance after leaving the route. Runners can safely wait in the Rescue Tent until they can reconnect with family, friends, supporters and club members.
The Medical satellite facility is nearby to assess and assist runners where required.
Supporters looking for runners who have been transported to the finish are encouraged to visit the CMA Information Centre, where staff will be able to provide assistance and direct them accordingly.
16 RACE DAY PRIZEGIVING
The Race Day Prize-Giving Ceremony for the Top 3 Men and Top 3 Women will take place on the main stage at approximately 14h00. South African prize winners must attend in full club colours. Caps and headgear may not be worn.
Please note: A formal Champions Prize-Giving Breakfast for all category and prize winners will be held the following morning, by invitation only.
17 BUSES TO DURBAN
Return buses to Durban will depart from the grassed area adjacent to Woodhouse Road, located to the left of the Runner Chill Zone exit. This service will operate between 10h00 and 20h00 on race day. Passengers will be dropped off outside the Durban Exhibition Centre on Walnut Road.
Please note: Bus tickets must be purchased during Race Pack Collection or at the Comrades Marathon Expo. No tickets will be sold on race day.
18 SECURITY
Security personnel and SAPS members will patrol the Finish Precinct throughout race day. Participants and spectators are encouraged to remain vigilant and take responsibility for their personal belongings. Please be aware of pickpockets and do not leave valuables unattended.
58
Turn to the next page for a detailed map of the finish area, including a handy guide to finding the Biddulphs tog bag collection point, rub tent, club gazebos, food vendors, and more.