Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 52, November 2013 | Page 31

Comrades The Biggest & The Best Have you entered next year’s Ultimate Human Race yet? The tally of entries is already on 11 000 runners – and only 18 000 will be taken – so make sure you secure your entry for Africa’s oldest and the world’s biggest ultra! – BY DELAINE COOLS MAYORAL AWARD FOR COMRADES The Comrades Marathon Association’s contribution to the City of Msunduzi-Pietermaritzburg was once again highlighted at the inaugural Mayoral Tourism Awards at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall on 27 September. Hosted by the Msunduzi-Pietermaritzburg Tourism Association (MPTA), these awards have been launched to recognise those that strive to make Pietermaritzburg the ‘City of Choice,’ and the Comrades Marathon was awarded together with the UCI World Cycling Champs in the City International Events category. In his opening address, Mayor Chris Ndlela said, “The Comrades Marathon always either starts or finishes in the City of Pietermaritzburg, and I am looking forward to firing the gun at next year’s start.” Responding to the award, CMA General Manager Chris Bruwer said, “This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the deep-seated relations that the Comrades Marathon shares with the city. We thank Mayor Ndlela for initiating this awards gala and look forward to maintaining our collaboration with the city.” VISIT THE COMRADES SHOP Treat yourself to a beautiful range of Comradesbranded New Balance sportswear. Check out www.comrades.com for more info. COMRADES CHARITY Do you Dare to be a Devil? The Community Chest is geared up for the DaREDevil Run in Pietermaritzburg on Friday 8 November. This is a men’s only event that aims to raise money for cancer research and treatment, with 100% of the money raised going to the Pietermaritzburg Branch of CANSA, and to create awareness for the need for men to be vigilant of prostate and testicular cancer. Venue: Maritzburg College Time: 4:30pm Cost: R100 (includes your red Speedo) Entries: Online at www.daredevilrun.com. Manual entries at the Community Chest offices, 12 Stranack Street, Pietermaritzburg. More info: Angie 033 3941031 2014 ENTRY PROCESS Images: Lauren vd Vyver & Courtesy CMA Runners can enter for Comrades 2014 through one of three channels: • Online via the Comrades Marathon website: www.comrades.com • By posting your completed entry form, with proof of payment, to the CMA Office in Pietermaritzburg: P.O. Box 100621, Scottsville, 3209 • By handing in your completed entry form, with payment, at Comrades Marathon House in Pietermaritzburg: 18 Connaught Road, Scottsville Entry forms are available at local running clubs, provincial sporting federations and the CMA as well as select qualifying races, which the Comrades team will be attending until November. The entry fees are R350 for local runners, R550 for athletes from the rest of Africa, and R1 800 for international entries. The number of participants will be capped at 18 000 and there will be no extensions of the entry process, but great news for runners is that substitutions will once again be available – details at www.comrades.com. MY COMRADES by Solomon Mkhubedu I have done four Comrades races, but each experience is different! The first one (Down) was just about finishing the race, and the second one (Up) was with a target, and I only made a 10-minute improvement in 8:34. My third one I finished in 8:44, even though I wanted to improve. The 2013 race was terrible, due to bad weather, and I finished in 9:24. I felt bad and in the last 4km, I decided never to run it again, but I was later challenged by an old man in my club at Foskor who got his green number this year, and I’m looking forward to getting one myself! Thank you Comrades – I can’t wait! Social Networking We invite you to take a peek into the wonderful world of Comrades Marathon social networking. Tweet about us, like us or browse the web for all things Comrades Marathon related at: www.twitter.com/@ComradesRace www.facebook.com/ComradesMarathon www.comrades.com 31