The stakes are a bit higher in this year’s Comrades Marathon race as the top ten gets a 10% increase from last year’s prize money, which means the first man and woman to make it past the finish line, get to walk away with R550,000.
The CMA has also introduced a 70+ prize category for the First Man and Woman over the age of 70 years to cross the finish line.
The Comrades Marathon Association officially launched the province’s ultimate human race on Tuesday morning, at the Comrades House in Pietermaritzburg, revealing the new slogan ‘No doubt, nakanjani’ in which CMA chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo described as an inference to the Comrades athlete’s firm belief in the power, stature and attraction of the world’s biggest, oldest and most loved ultramarathon.
“The slogan speaks to the legacy of this larger-than-life event, lauded by athletes around the globe as the ultimate road-running challenge and the world’s greatest footrace. The Comrade’s Marathon has contributed in so many meaningful ways to changing lives, adding purpose and enhancing the social landscape of our beautiful country.” said Ngcobo.
2024 Comrades Marathon is here. #NoDoubt #Nakanjani be part of it. #TheUltimateHumanRace pic.twitter.com/gu0H1kNO4I
— ComradesRace (@ComradesRace) November 7, 2023
The 97th Comrades Marathon is also the 49th Up Run and it will be on Sunday, 9 June 2024, starting at the Durban City Hall at 05h30 and finishing 12 hours later at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse.
As with previous Up Runs, the race distance will be approximately 87km.
CMA Vice chairperson and Head of the Finance Committee, Les Burnard announced the new comrade’s relief fund which is a new initiative aimed at assisting 1500 financially challenged runners by offering them a reduced entry fee of up to 50%. Terms and conditions apply. More details are available on the official Comrades website: www.comrades.com
Ngcobo called on all runners to support the incredible work of the CMA in raising funds for charity.
“It is incumbent upon us to contribute to the welfare of those who need our compassion and generosity. I personally urge all aspirant 2024 entrants to select the Official Comrades Charity closest to your heart and run your 2024 Comrades in honour of a special cause. Together, we can do so much more to benefit the communities in which we operate and add value to our chosen sport of road running.” said Ngcobo.
