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