THE Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre was a hive of activity on Thursday morning as the 3-day Comrades Expo opened to runners, supporters and visitors.

The event is an integral part of Comrades race week and serves as one of the official registration points for The Ultimate Human Race, with thousands of athletes collecting their race packs and goodie bags, shopping for running apparel and merchandise, and finalising registration ahead of race day.

The expo enjoys its status as Africa’s largest running-related expo, and has, over the years, been attracting more than 110 exhibitors and over 50 000 visitors.

The 95th edition of the marathon takes place on Sunday, August 28 with an official route distance of 89.885km.

Along the route will be 43 fully stocked refreshment stations powered by nearly 3 000 volunteers.

Around 1 000 marshals, plus 200 community marshals, will assist the SAPS, Metro Police, the CMA’s security service provider and other law enforcement officials on race day.