Congress for distance runners to co-incide with Comrades week

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) will host a prestigious gathering of international race organisers during the week of the world’s greatest ultra-marathon on 1 June 2014.

Funded by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport & Recreation (KZN-DSR), the 20th World Congress of AIMS (Association of International Marathons & Distance Races), will be hosted at Durban’s Elangeni Hotel from 29-31 May 2014.

This will be a first for the country and the continent, when nearly 250 event organisers of the world’s top long distance races, descend on KwaZulu-Natal.

The theme for the Congress is: Africa – Home of Distance Runners. Hot topics relevant to the world of road-running will be covered.

The local organising committee, led by chairperson Cheryl Winn, will be entertaining the delegates over a period of 5 days with a programme of social functions. The the networking aspect of the Congress will take precedence and guests will get to relax and enjoy themselves while being informed, inspired, and entertained, on what for many will be their first visit to Africa.

Social highlights will include a civic welcome reception hosted by the eThekwini Mayor; a sophisticated African Experience featuring local arts, crafts, entertainment and authentic African cuisine; a glamorous Comrades Marathon Legends gala dinner; and a farewell function at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

20th World Congress of AIMS chairperson, Cheryl Winn said, “This is a very exciting time for the Comrades Marathon Association and the road-running fraternity in general. The 20th World Congress of AIMS is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year and we warmly welcome the delegates to enjoy all that KwaZulu-Natal has to offer.”

MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation in KZN, Mrs. Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha said, “We are very pleased to be supporting this prestigious World Congress. As the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, we are looking forward to welcoming and hosting the numerous delegates in our beautiful province. We will ensure they take back with them a great experience of our tourist offerings; as well as the warmth and hospitality of our people.”

More information may be found at: www.aims2014.co.za or www.comrades.com