Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 54, January 2014 | Page 30

Comrades NEW YEAR, New Comrades Welcome to 2014! It’s just a few months now before your Comrades Down Run and your training should be right on track. Here at Comrades, we’re giving back, making a name for ourselves on the international stage, and preparing for 1 June 2014. The world’s greatest ultra is ready for you! – BY DELAINE COOLS QUALIFICATION REMINDER FAMILY FUN IN EDENDALE Runners aiming to participate in the 2014 Comrades Marathon are reminded that the qualifying period for the race runs from 2 June 2013 until 5 May 2014, and you are urged to take careful note of the entry criteria. Also remember that the Substitution Rule will once again be a feature of the 2014 entry process, so you can still get in if you missed out when entries closed in November. All entry info is available at www.comrades.com. In November the CMA once again supported the annual Greater Edendale 10km Race and 5km Fun Run, at the FNB Wadley Stadium in Georgetown, Edendale. This was the seventh edition of the run, attracting nearly 1200 entries and once again showcasing some of the country’s top athletes while ensuring a day of family fun and joy for the local community. A grand total of R14 000 in prize money was up for grabs in various categories, including walkers, and the generous first place prizes of R2 500 each for the winning man and woman went to Precious Mashele (30:45) and Makhosi Mhlongo (40:05). The two schools that won the competition for the most finishers were Sanzwili Primary School with 277 and Esigodini Primary School with 170. DESTINATION CHINA In January, Benedict Moeng and Kim Laxton will represent SA at the Xiamen International Marathon in south-eastern China, thanks to an initiative by the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), and endorsed by KwaZulu-Natal Athletics. This international road running event is recognised by the International Amateur Athletics Federation as an IAAF Gold Label Road Race. The two top runners will be accompanied by their coach, Michael Seme, and CMA Board Member, Terrence Hoskins. Race convenor and CMA Chairman, Macdonald Chitja says, “It is an immense pleasure when both young and old find the joy in running and take part in such events. It was a wonderful day of community involvement and road-running development. We are always glad to bolster the sport. It is clear to see that the love for running lies within each of these young ones who participated – and good to know that they are our future Comrades Marathon runners!” EXPLORE FASCINATING HISTORY Being one of only a handful of marathons worldwide to have its own museum, Comrades Muse V