Comrades Marathon now open for entry

Local athletes who always partake in the annual Comrades Marathon will be delighted to know that they have until November 30, 2014 to get their entries in.

The 2015 entry process is in full swing and more than 25% of the 23 000 entry cap has already been taken up since it opened on September 1. The entry barometer currently stands at 6 137.The 90th edition of the ultimate human race will be held on Sunday May 31, 2015.

Being an uphill, the traditional starters’ gun goes off outside the Durban City Hall at 05:30 and again 12 hours later at the Oval Cricket Stadium in Pietermaritzburg to signal the end of the 87km ultramarathon.

“Prospective entrants have until November 30 or as soon as the cap of 23 000 entries has been reached to get their entries in. Thereafter, no entries will be accepted, so runners are urged to enter as soon as possible or risk missing out,” outlined the Comrades Marathon Association’s (CMA) race director, Rowyn James.

With its 2015 campaign, “Be Part of It – Bamba Iqhaza” James has asked every South African to be part of next year’s 90th anniversary festivities in one way or another. He has further encouraged all South African Comrades runners to send in their entries early to be eligible for the early-bird entry fee of R350.

“The increased fee of R380 will come into effect as of October 2014 until the closing of the process. Runners from the rest of Africa will be charged R600 and the cost to international athletes is R2 000,” he continued.

The requirements, which are stated on the entry form, must be adhered to at all times. Entries may be made as follows: online via the Comrades Marathon website on www.comrades.com, or by posting the completed entry form with proof of payment to the CMA Office in Pietermaritzburg, PO Box 100621, Scottsville, 3209.

“Please note that runners may enter the race before running a qualifying race (minimum qualifying distance of 42,2km in under five hours).

The 2014 Comrades Marathon will not be a qualifier for the 2015 race. Qualifying races must be run from August 1, 2014 and May 4, 2015. The substitution window period will be from April 1 to 21, 2015.”