C o l u m n
ASKING THE QUESTION
The Comrades Marathon is finally emerging from a lowpoint in its history
power of federation representatives has been removed . This could empower those dedicated and loyal office staff and volunteers who in recent years have found themselves restricted by board interference . Such a move may well result in greater enthusiasm and initiative , as their inputs gain greater recognition and acceptance .
The Bottom Line
I have cherished copies of the various Comrades Marathon history books – three editions of the great Morris Alexander ’ s book , the John Cameron-Dow version that succeeded those , and the more recent 100-year coffee table book – and nowhere has there been such a chaotic period in 100 years of the race ’ s existence . Saturday 30 November was a pivotal point for the race , and celebration is both warranted and deserved , but to think that simply changing the board will bring the required results would be naïve . The work is just beginning , and this new board is simply the first step in a directional change that can take the race forward . of the greater number of runners on the road , and moreover , to rejig the method of presentation , in order to take the race to a higher level for its 100th running . This is where the hard work lies . Meanwhile , the board can overhaul the structure and governance of the CMA to create , grow and secure a business that will not only operate at the highest standards , but contribute to the social , financial and community adhesion of the province and nation .
This AGM may have been a gold medal performance , but the real reward from Saturday 30 November is the opportunity given to the new board to be written into Comrades history on a level on par with Vic Clapham successfully pulling off the first race on 24 May 1921 .
The real work – the heavy lifting – now lies with the implementation team to review the whole event , to provide a vastly improved runner experience in spite
With entries for 2025 sold out , the focus now is on putting on a good , safe race
The new board boasts a wealth of experience , skills and talent
About the Author
Norrie represented Scotland and Great Britain in numerous ultra-distance events , then represented South Africa in triathlon . He is a World Athleticsaccredited coach and course measurer , and has been appointed by World Athletics as Technical Delegate to a number of the world ’ s leading Label events in Africa , Asia and the Middle East . He counts 20 Comrades Marathon medals amongst his more than 150 ultra-marathon medals , as well as multiple wins at distances from 100km to 1000km . You can read more from him at www . coachnorrie . co . za .
Images : Courtesy Comrades Marathon Association
22 ISSUE 175 | www . modernathlete . co . za