Every year, three deserving awardees are recognized for their noble human attributes of selflessness, dedication, perseverance and spirit of Ubuntu, coupled with their love for The Ultimate Human Race. All three recipients of the coveted award are presented with a one-ounce, 24 carat gold medallion, courtesy of Old Mutual.

The awards criteria place special emphasis on Comrades Marathon winners, legends, volunteers and otherwise ordinary heroes and heroines who through individual acts of service, sacrifice, courage or perseverance, either in a single race or over a period of time, exhibit the noble qualities associated with the Comrades Marathon.

According to Old Mutual’s Chief Marketing Officer, Vuyo Lee, “The Comrades Marathon represents more than an endurance event; it is the embodiment of perseverance through tough times and running for more than yourself, all that Old Mutual stands for. We are once again proud to be honouring all those who play their part in making this event The Ultimate Human Race.”

This is the third year that Old Mutual will co-host the glittering function with the CMA. On the night, CMA Chairperson Sifiso Nzuza will also present the CMA Journalist of the Year Award to the reporter who has shown a year-long interest in the Comrades Marathon, and generated the most media coverage for The Ultimate Human Race.

In addition, the CMA will acknowledge key role players in the Comrades Marathon world with tokens of appreciation and certificates.

Nzuza says, “It is always such an honour for the CMA to present these exemplary human beings with the Old Mutual Spirit of Comrades Award. Each of them is richly deserving of this prized token of recognition as an outstanding athlete, notable member of society or otherwise ordinary individual who lives out the true Comrades spirit in a humble and noble way. We look forward to this awards celebration in October.”