“The Comrades Marathon is an event of national importance. Because of this, it is the perfect platform for Government agencies to address their constituencies, and this is reflected in the successful securing of six new partnerships with Government agencies by Flash Sponsorship. All of which will contribute to the successful delivery of the world’s oldest, largest, and most famous Ultramarathon and this year’s 97th edition of the race. Of this there is No Doubt! Nakanjani.” Says Richard van der Schyff, Managing Director of Flash Sponsorship.
“Much like preparing to run the Ultimate Human Race, our negotiations have taken months of careful planning and preparation, submissions and meetings, all culminating in the success we have achieved” continues van der Schyff.
Gill Fraser, Business Director at Flash says “With 22,000 entries, an estimated 500,000 spectators lining the route and 50,000 visitors to Africa’s largest sporting and lifestyle Expo, the Comrades Marathon is directly attributable for over half a billion Rands worth of economic impact to the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. This is a noteworthy statistic and one that has contributed to attracting the various government agencies to the race.”
Partnerships have been formalised with the two Host Cities, Durban and Pietermaritzburg and their Municipalities, both of which are integral to the successful staging of the race. Both Mayors will be in action, the Honourable Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda firing the gun at the start at 05:30 outside the Durban City Hall, and the Honourable Councillor Mzimkhulu Thebolla receiving the message from the Durban Mayor at the race finish when the first runner finishes at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg. In addition, major route clean-ups and preparation are underway starting today, Wednesday 5 June 2024 to ensure the start, route and finish are in tip top condition for the runners. Added to that Comrades partner FNB, has implemented a pre-race clean up at the race start around the Durban City Hall on Saturday, 8 June between 9am and 12pm.
The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) are back on board, this time for the next 3 years and. GEMS have taken naming rights to the Disadvantaged Runners Programme in Pietermaritzburg, and will be activating at the Comrades Registration and Exhibition presented by Cell C at the Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC) from 6 – 8 June 2024 hosting the Physio area, and at the GEMS hospitality area at the race finish.
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is a proud #RoadSafety sponsor of the 2024 #ComradesMarathon who want to encourage runners to stand out and stay safe by wearing bright-coloured or reflective clothing to ensure visibility to others. #SafeRoadsSecureFutures
Tourism KZN have made their commitment to the Comrades, with a 3 year partnership which will see an added focus on tourism for both local and international runners and families to the beautiful KZN region, as well as offering a travel prize incentive to the men’s and women’s winners, valued at over R175k each.
In addition, Tourism KZN have sponsored the Business and Media Lounge at the Comrades Registration and Exhibition presented by Cell C.
Brand South Africa will once again take presenting rights of the Comrades Marathon Champions Breakfast taking place on Monday 10 June 2024. An auspicious occasion that will not only see the winners of the respective categories be awarded their medals and trophies, but where our top 10 men and women will receive their highest ever cash prize incentive of over R4m – a new standard for South African road running.
The 97th Comrades Marathon will be the 49th Up Run on Sunday, 9 June 2024, starting at the Durban City Hall at 05h30 and ending 12 hours later at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg, covering an 85,91km distance.
#Comrades2024 #NoDoubt #Nakanjani
