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Brought to you by: www.nedbankrunningclub.co.za
14 November 2024
  
Soweto Marathon

Nedbank running clubs Khonkhobe caps off remarkable season with Soweto win.

If there ever was a year to remember in the 28 years that Onalenna Khonkhobe has graced earth, 2024 will go down as one! The Nedbank running club green dream team athlete raced to victory at the Soweto Marathon in the Super NIKE SHOES over the weekend to follow up on his massive Two Oceans Marathon victory in April.

Run in warm conditions and back to its old course starting and finishing at NASREC, the Soweto Marathon assembled one of its most competitive elite fields in history which included the likes of Khonkhobe’ s teammates Isaac Mpofu, a world class marathoner from Zimbabwe and Ethiopian Daba Debele who had finished 1st and 2nd at the last two editions of the Soweto Marathon.

Up front, a huge lead bunch formed with Nedbank running clubs Sinethemba Tshangase and Lucky Mohale setting the pace which saw the leaders hit halfway in 1:08:56. It was shortly after this that double Comrades Marathon winner Tete Dijana hit the front with a powerful surge that broke up the bunch.

At this stage, Khonkhobe was biding his time and running at the back of the pack. At 36km an immensely powerful surge by Lesotho’s Joseph Seutloali broke up the bunch and Khonkhobe moved into 2nd place together with teammate Gadisa Bekele Gutama as the two began to hunt the leader down.

It was at exactly the 41km that Khonkhobe caught Seutloali, and one last surge saw the youngster move ahead to seal a victory in 2:18:36 in what was his first attempt at the Soweto Marathon.

“I am so happy with winning today because although it was my plan, I didn’t expect it that much because it’s my first time in Soweto,” said an elated Khonkhobe. “My biggest stress was Vilikazi street because I was told that it is the tough part of the route, and I thought to myself I will use that section to break away. But then when we were running, I asked the other top guys where this Vilakazi street is and then they told me that we had already passed it, so my plans had to change.”

Behind him, teammate Gutama held on for 5th after struggling over the final 2km. After dropping off the leaders at 34km, Dijana managed to claw his way back and finish 9th.

In the women’s race there were two podium spots for the Nedbank running club with Margaret Jepchumba and Worke Degu Amena finishing 2nd and 3rd. Gladys Jepchirchir, Galaletsang Mekgoe and Msawenkosi Sibande finished 6th, 8th, and 10th respectively to give the Nedbank girls 5 out of the top 10.

Nedbank running club National team manager Nick Bester was delighted with the green dream team. “This year’s Soweto Marathon was an important one for our team and we planned, prepared, and executed our plans in style with Onalenna taking the victory, said Bester.

“We really want to thank everyone who plays a part in these victories from our sponsors to the managers, coaches, committee members, support teams and all the families that contribute. This victory was a victory for all of us!”

We put the Cherry on the top today ending a brilliant running year by winning the 3 major road running events in South Africa in one year and just once again proof we are the strongest and most professional Running Club in South Africa.

Our hospitality was also an enormous success with the hospitality and catering for the bulk of the tired social runners who completed this murderous challenging and hilly marathon in the extreme hot conditions on the day. Here they could enjoy the products of our loyal sponsors-Biogen to drink the recovery drinks, Future Life to fill the empty stomachs, THIRSTI WATER to replenish the THIRST and Bavaria to have a refreshing drink after all.
 
Comrades Marathon 2025
Entries Open for the 2025 Comrades Marathon
 

More Than A Race – Isiko Mpilo The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is thrilled to announce that entries for the 2025 Comrades Marathon are now officially open to all aspirant participants. This iconic ultramarathon, renowned for its challenging route and inspiring spirit, will take place on Sunday, 8 June 2025.

Runners from around the globe are invited to run this historic event, which traditionally attracts athletes from nearly 75 countries.

Next year’s race will be the 98th edition, spanning approximately 89km between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban. This will be the 49th Down Run, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing at Durban’s People’s Park.

Key Details:

  • Entry Period: 13 November 2024 – 9 December 2024 or once the entry cap is reached
  • Race Date: 8 June 2025
  • Route: Pietermaritzburg to Durban – Down Run
  • Entry Cap: 23,000 runners

How to Enter: Participants can register online at the official Comrades Marathon website www.comrades.com or via the Comrades App. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot in this prestigious race, as entries are limited and expected to fill up quickly.

Entry fees remain the same as that of the 2023 and 2024 races and are as follows:

Entry Type

Entry Fee

South Africa 2025 Entrants

R1 200

Rest of Africa 2025 Entrants

R2 000

International 2025 Entrants

R4 500

Entry fee is waived for holders of 25 or more Comrades medals.
 

Please those who are registered Comrades Marathon Association members remember to vote on 30 November 2024 for the new board - Online voting will be allowed, and we will send you the candidates in next mail with their cv's

CMA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) will host its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 30 November 2024.

The AGM is to be held as follows:

  • Venue: Carter High School, Multipurpose Center
  • Address: 22 Carter Drive, Athlone, Pietermaritzburg
  • Date: Saturday, 30th November 2024
  • Time: 09H00 for 10H00 

Online voting and attendance will take place at this year’s AGM and CMA Members in good standing can also opt to participate, attend and vote at the AGM in-person.

Please note that if your membership payment was paid after 30 June 2024, you will not be eligible to vote at the 2024 AGM.

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact our office on membership@comrades.com or 033 897 8650
 
Launch of 2025 Comrades Marathon
 
More Than A Race – Isiko Mpilo Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) administrators, sponsors, athletes, government officials, road running dignitaries and members of the media were thrilled to be a part of the official launch of the 2025 Comrades Marathon, set to take place on Sunday, 8 June 2025. The iconic ultramarathon, renowned for its challenging course and rich history, continues to attract runners from around the globe.

The 2025 edition promises to be an extraordinary event, celebrating the spirit of endurance and camaraderie that the Comrades Marathon is famous for. Next year’s race will follow the traditional Down Run, starting from Pietermaritzburg and finishing in Durban, covering a gruelling approximate 89 kilometres.

The CMA is committed to ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all participants. Enhanced safety measures and support services will be in place, including medical assistance, refreshment stations, route marshals and law enforcement personnel.

“There is absolutely no doubt that the 2025 Comrades Marathon is going to be one of the most exciting editions of the world-famous ultramarathon as we host the next Down Run in 214 days from today,” said Comrades Marathon Association Chairperson, Jeff Minnaar at the launch of the 98th Comrades Marathon at Comrades House today (Wednesday, 6 November 2024).

CMA Marketing Manager, Delaine Cools unveiled the highly anticipated campaign slogan for #Comrades2025, ‘More Than A Race – Isiko Mpilo’, reaffirming the event’s attraction as a life-changing experience, a pilgrimage of sorts and a coming together of a global family of runners who are committed to good sportsmanship and a shared passion for running.”

Minnaar said, “The campaign slogan we have chosen this year speaks to the legacy of an event that has made its mark on a nation for more than 100 years. Our annual race day has taken on a very different meaning for us as South Africans; with many people referring to it as Comrades Day.”

“On this day, both runners and supporters are not just united in a road-running event but stand together in camaraderie and goodwill. Through this event, we are reminded of our commitment to standing together, collaborating, nation building and being a force for good.”

Minnaar adds, “The Comrades Marathon is More Than A Race; it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit and perseverance. We are excited to welcome runners from all corners of the world to this prestigious event. Isiko Mpilo!”

The 98th Comrades Marathon will be a Down Run on Sunday, 8 June 2025, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05h30 and finishing 12 hours later at Durban’s Peoples Park, with a race distance of approximately 89km. This will be the 49th Comrades Down Run.

CMA Acting Race & Operations Manager, Alain Dalais says, “Our team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional race experience. We encourage all participants to prepare thoroughly and embrace the journey.”

“As a token of appreciation to all Green Number Club athletes for their many years of loyalty and dedication to The Ultimate Human Race, entries will open ONLY for all Green Number Club runners on 6 November 2024 at 12h00 and will close on 9 December 2024 at 16h30.”

Entries for all Non-Green Number Club runners open on 13 November 2024 at 10h00 and will close on 9 December 2024 at 16h30. The total number of entries will be capped at 23,000. The entry period will close on 9 December 2024 at 16h30 or once the entry cap of 23,000 has been reached, whichever comes first.  

Entry fees remain the same as that of the 2023 and 2024 races and are as follows:

Entry Type

Entry Fee

South Africa 2025 Entrants

R1 200

Rest of Africa 2025 Entrants

R2 000

International 2025 Entrants

R4 500

Entry fee is waived for holders of 25 or more Comrades medals.

  • Online entries can be done via the Comrades Marathon website: www.comrades.com.

Key highlights of the 2025 Comrades Marathon:

  • Race Date: 8 June 2025
  • Route: Pietermaritzburg to Durban (approximately 89km)
  • Entry Period: Opens on 6 November 2024 for Green Number Club athletes and 13 November 2024 for all other entrants. Entries close on 9 December 2024 or once the cap is reached
  • Entry Tally: Capped at 23,000 and expected to attract participants from nearly 80 countries

Qualification for the 2025 Comrades Marathon is applicable from 10 June 2024 till 5 May 2025. The qualifying criteria for next year’s Comrades Marathon remain unchanged, requiring completion of a standard, officially timed 42.2km marathon in under 4 hours and 50 minutes, or a 56km ultra-marathon in under 6 hours and 45 minutes.

The substitution process will run over the month of March and April 2025. More details will be revealed closer to the time.

Dalais also confirmed that prize money for the 2025 Comrades Marathon has been increased by 10% across the board, meaning that the winner in both the Men’s and Women’s races will take home a cool R874,000 with a total prize purse of over R7,6-million, which includes a cash payment of R550,000 should the winners break the Best Time previously recorded for the Down Run in both the Men’s and Women’s races.

In conjunction with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the race will incentivise the First, Second and Third KwaZulu-Natal Men and Women home with a cash prize.

There will also be prizes for the First South African Man and Woman.

The total prize purse is as follows:

CMA Prize Money

             5,083,000

Cell C Top-up

             1,422,000

Cell C Pace

             1,000,000

Cell C Hot Spot

                100,000

Total

             7,605,000

Runners will be pleased with the continuation of the Comrades Runners’ Relief Fund. Through this initiative, up to 1500 disadvantaged athletes may apply for a reduced entry fee of 50%. Terms and conditions apply. More details are available on the official Comrades website: www.comrades.com

Since its inception in 1996, the Comrades Amabeadibeadi Charity Drive has raised more than R76-million for the CMA’s official charities. The official charities for 2025 are Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, Childline KwaZulu-Natal, Community Chest of Pietermaritzburg & Durban, Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust, Rise Against Hunger and SANParks Honorary Rangers.

Minnaar has called on all runners to join hands with the CMA in raising funds for charity, saying, “The Comrades Marathon is more than a race; it is an inspiration and a force for change. May we all do our bit to contribute to the welfare of those who need our compassion and generosity.”

“I personally urge all aspirant 2025 entrants to select the Official Comrades Charity whose mission resonates with your own calling and for you to run your 2025 Comrades race as a fundraiser for that special cause. I do believe that #Comrades2025 could be the year in which we see record fundraising efforts by our runners and stakeholders.”
 
New Online System for Comrades Wall of Honour Plaques
 
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is delighted to announce the launch of its new online system for ordering Wall of Honour plaques. This innovative platform allows Comrades Marathon enthusiasts to easily order new plaques or upgrade existing ones, celebrating their achievements and contributions to this iconic event.
 
Ordering your plaque is simple. All you need to do is go to the Comrades Marathon website at www.comrades.com and navigate to the Wall of Honour tab under the About section and complete the online form by following the prompts.
 
The new system offers several exciting features:
•    View a digital version of your plaque before finalizing your order.
•    Search for existing plaques on the Wall of Honour.
Applications will close once the limit for the current phase is reached, so early submissions are encouraged.
Please also note that applications will be closed during the holidays so keep an eye on our notice on the Wall of Honour page, which we will update periodically.
 
About the Comrades Wall of Honour:
The Comrades Wall of Honour, constructed in the early 1990s, is a tribute to the spirit and dedication of Comrades Marathon runners. With over 6,500 plaques currently displayed, the wall serves as a lasting legacy for those who have participated in the world’s biggest and oldest ultramarathon. The first section of the Wall of Honour is dedicated to past and future winners, highlighting their extraordinary achievements.
 
CMA Acting Race & Operations Manager, Alain Dalais says, “We are excited to offer this new online system, making it easier for our runners to commemorate their incredible journeys. The Wall of Honour is a testament to the perseverance and passion of our participants, and we are proud to continue this tradition.”
 
 
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Looking Ahead

Biogen Half-Marathon Entries are Open! SAME GREAT RACE – NEW NAME
 

TRAC N4 ELANDS MARATHON 2025