OLD MUTUAL TAKES CARE OF UNDERPRIVILEGED RUNNERS
CSI NEWS UPDATE
The Comrades Marathon makes a positive difference to the lives of the less fortunate by supporting six official Comrades Charities. Runners can elect to run in support of one of these charities, and runners and supporters are invited to further support them by buying Amabeadibeadi products at the Comrades Expo. More info at www. comrades. com / charities / amabeadibeadi. Meanwhile, here is news from some of our charities
SUPPORT THE SPORTS TRUST As one of the official charities of the Comrades Marathon, the Sports Trust focus this year will be on women in sport, in particular development runners from the KwaZulu-Natal region who have come through the development running programme implemented since 2012. This programme encourage school learners to take up running, in the hope that one day they will be able to compete in the Comrades Marathon.
To ensure that the Ultimate Human Race is an inclusive event, major sponsor Old Mutual will be sponsoring the Old Mutual Comrades Underprivileged Runners Project over the Comrades weekend. This project has been a part of the world’ s greatest footrace for the past 16 years.
“ This has been a project very close to the heart of the CMA, enabling us to accommodate runners across the socio-economic spectrum and afford them an opportunity to experience the race. It has given them an opportunity to dream,” says CMA General Manager, Chris Fisher.“ Through the Underprivileged Runners Project, Old Mutual will demonstrate its spirit of humanity by providing support to hundreds of less fortunate runners wishing to participate in the 2017 Comrades Marathon. We would like to thank Old Mutual for their commitment to these athletes. Initiatives such as these provide life-changing opportunities for such runners and we are proud to be associated with this leading financial services provider.”
Up to 800 runners will be provided with accommodation in Pietermaritzburg, a comfortable mattress and blankets for a good night’ s rest, ablution facilities as well substantial meals on the evenings prior to and after the race. Transportation will be provided for runners collecting their race packs at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Saturday 3 June, and on race day, runners will be provided with breakfast before being transported to the start in Durban and back to the accommodation facility after the race.
“ Running events like the Comrades Marathon showcase South Africa at its very best,” says Karen Thomas, Old Mutual Head of Brand.“ Many runners dream of competing in the Comrades Marathon, but for a variety of reasons can’ t always get to the start line. By sponsoring the Comrades Underprivileged Runners Project, Old Mutual is ensuring that those runners who might not be able to afford the weekend in KwaZulu-Natal now have the chance to be a part of this special day on the South African running calendar.”
After the event, the CMA will donate the blankets and mattresses to various charity organisations in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas. For more information, please e-mail nonkululeko @ comrades. com.
SHARE YOUR COMRADES STORY
Every Comrades Marathon runner has their ultimate tale of courage, perseverance and endurance. The CMA wants you to inspire others to take up the challenge of the world’ s greatest footrace, by sending us your Comrades Story in 300 words or less, and stand the chance to win a Comrades hamper. Please e-mail your story to delaine @ comrades. com.
The project provides running kits and proper running shoes for school learners from disadvantaged schools, and this year The Sports Trust is raising funds for its Elite Female Team, whose athletes need assistance with paying their school tuition as well as obtaining winter running kit and more running shoes. To help them, you can make a donation at www. thesportstrust. co. za / donations
WILDLANDS CLOTHES FOR LIFE The Wildlands Clothes for Life initiative barters pre-loved clothes for trees or waste, which“ clothes-preneurs” can then use or sell on to support their livelihoods. So, clear your cupboards and make a positive difference to someone’ s life! You can drop off your pre-loved clothing at the Wildlands Chairty stands at the Comrades Expo in Durban and at Comrades Registration in Pietermaritzburg from 1 to 3 June.
CATCH COMMUNITY CHEST ON THE ROUTE The Community is once again grateful to be part of the Comrades Marathon, as one of the selected AmaBeadiBeadi Charities to benefit from this iconic race, and by hosting a refreshment station to ensure that the needs of all runners are met on Comrades day. Their refreshment station will be situated at Fairfield Avenue in Pietermaritzburg, with some 75 volunteers to ensure that runners are well taken care of.
Special thanks to all runners who will be running for the Community Chest. Besides obtaining a seeding in the‘ C’ batch and standing a chance to be in the draw for the Berlin Marathon, your fundraising will assist with the education of over 6000 children. Educate a child and we will produce the leaders of tomorrow.
BUY YOUR COMRADES ICE ID BRACELET
Comrades Marathon runners and supporters have been urged to contribute to charitable fundraising by purchasing a personalised Comrades ICE( In Case of Emergency) ID Bracelet, as 25 % of the retail price will be donated to the Comrades Marathon’ s Charity Drive, benefiting the nation-building activities of the six official race charities.
The ICE ID Bracelet is an all-terrain, all-weather medical accessory with the runner’ s wellbeing in mind, and runners have reported that it is comfortable, lightweight and durable. The silicone strap is flexible and waterproof, and can be cut to size to achieve the ultimate fit, while the curved stainless steel tag wraps around the wrist, offering the ultimate comfort. Meanwhile, the double catch clasp( tag) ensures that the bracelet is secure enough to not just open up or fall off. The tag allows for six lines of laser engraving for all the runner’ s ICE information.
For order and delivery details or further information, please e-mail info @ iceid. co. za.
COMRADES MARATHON ONLINE
www. twitter. com /@ ComradesRace www. facebook. com / ComradesMarathon www. comrades. com
Images: Courtesy CMA
48 ISSUE 94 MAY 2017 / www. modernathlete. co. za