Nedbank applaud 2010 Comrades participants
The 85th Comrades Marathon has officially been submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest ultra marathon event on the planet for a foot race longer than 80km.

To this end, some 14 596 official finishers helped to achieve the goal and etched their names into the Comrades roll of honour. While the Comrades Marathon of year 2000 was way bigger, Guinness Book officials had to be in attendance in order to ratify the event.

There is also little doubt that this past weekend’s event, run in near perfect 6-20 degree Celsius weather, will go down as one of the more special ones in the history of the event. For a country about to host the biggest sporting event ever on the continent, supporters and runners alike added to the colour, vibe and pageantry and put a proudly South African flavour on this global road race.

Nedbank, as a major sponsor of the Comrades Marathon, were pleased to play a significant part in the success of the event, from our interactive ‘winners’ finish line stand at the expo, our contribution to the disadvantaged runners’ village, our support of the Tom Cottrell Nedbank Race Dates and training guide in the goodie bags, the Nedbank race caps and race numbers, the festive Nedbank Spectator Spot and uplifting Nedbank Green Mile in Kloof, to the TV broadcast beamed round the country.

More importantly, we salute not just Stephen and Elena as winners of the race, or the thousands of finishers that followed over the next 6 ½ hours, including the 579 Nedbank Running Club finishers, but also all those participants that lined up in ‘Maritzburg but were unable to complete the journey. We acknowledge that in common you made the accomplished effort these past 6 months trying to get to the start line. You, your family, friends and colleagues made compromises, sacrifices and dedicated large portions of time to train for the ‘Ultimate Human Race.’  Therein lies the success of your efforts; champions for taking up the challenge.

The Comrades Marathon is a humbling event. It turns the finest athletes into plain putty, and makes heroes of mere mortals!

Nedbank looks forward to welcoming you to the next event and hopes that runners from across the spectrum will be inspired to take up the challenge of 2011 event.

Make Things Happen        
Nedbank

Keep working out those running shoes!

Nedbank Green Mile and Nedbank Spectator Spot Activation – 85th Comrades Marathon, 30 May 2010

As proud sponsors of the Comrades Marathon, Nedbank again showed their appreciation to runners and their supporters by staging the popular Nedbank Supporters Spot and Nedbank Green Mile. 

Located along the beautiful leafy Old Main Road section of the race route in Kloof, and just 26km from the finish, the stunning setting provided visitors to the Nedbank Spectator Spot a memorable family day with three  stages with DJ’s spread along the Green Mile, live entertainment, race commentary, supporters’ grandstand seating next to the Kloof hall or beautiful lawns to picnic on. Stilt walkers, face painters, balloon artists, a full kids play area including the revolutionary new sand art activity corner and the traditional jumping castles catered for the young at heart. Also on offer were liquid and food refreshments on sale via local charities, dancing girls including some of the Sharkettes and hundreds of lucky prize giveaways throughout the day. 

Runners passing through the Nedbank Green Mile didn’t miss out either. Besides the electric vibe, runners enjoyed the only Green Energade on offer on race day, and the famous Nedbank high5 tree hangers.

To see part of the action, click here!