Refreshment stations along the iconic 90km Comrades Marathon route have come a long way since they were first implemented in 1978.
From less than 10 in its first year, due to personal seconding being allowed, to 22 the following year and having increased to 43 stations in recent times, the refreshment station portfolio has grown in leaps and bounds.
Comrades refreshment stations are far from the traditional water tables that they originally started out as, having developed into multi-faceted sought-after brand activation points which form an eclectic mix of inspiration, entertainment, magic and colour.
They are fun, vibey and play a significant role in motivating athletes to keep moving, achieve their running goal and get to the finish line of the world’s oldest, biggest and most iconic ultramarathon.
International runners have described Comrades refreshment stations as ‘a running feast’ as no other races supply the variety and scale of refreshments as those offered at The Ultimate Human Race.
Each station is manned by between 30 and 150 team members who serve a host of refreshments, namely:
- Thirsti Water
- Isofit energy drinks
- Bavaria 0.0% beer
- Amahewu
- Coca-Cola soft drink beverages
- Cooked potatoes
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Biscuits
- Chocolates
With the Comrades Marathon having been cancelled for two years, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has renewed its call for local companies and institutions to be part of Comrades day on Sunday, 28 August 2022 by hosting a refreshment station along the way.
Hosting a station does not cost any sort of fee and the only costs that the host will incur are the “extras” that they wish to have at the station.
Please email laurelle@comrades.com should you require more information or be interested in hosting a refreshment point.
CMA Race Director, Rowyn James said, “Over the years, our refreshment station hosts have injected a new level of excitement and passion into Comrades race day.”
James adds, “Hosting a refreshment station along the route of The Ultimate Human Race is not only an exhilarating team-building exercise but creates brand association with a world-class sporting event like the Comrades Marathon and some of the nation’s top brands. The race will also enjoy 13 hours of live television coverage on SuperSport and an expansive radio broadcasting footprint, showcasing all things Comrades from start to finish.”
The 95th Comrades Marathon will be the 47th Down Run on Sunday, 28 August 2022, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05h30 and ending 12 hours later at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, covering a 90,2km distance.