Kuhle Maqokolo shows off her patriotic colours at the Comrades Expo in Durban.
THOUSANDS of runners flocked to the Comrades Marathon Expo at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Thursday (June 11).
The expo attracts more than 40 000 runners, supporters, and sports enthusiasts each year.
The pre-race expo runs for three days and gives runners a chance to collect their race packs, view some of the nutritional products, running gear, and official event merchandise.
Caxton Durban spoke to some of the runners taking on this year’s Up Run and asked what their motivation is for doing the race.
The expo takes place in the lead-up to the 99th Comrades Marathon.
This year a field of 21 633 runners will line up for the marathon on Sunday, June 14, which starts in Durban and ends at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
Nkosiyezwe Shangase is preparing to run his third Comrades Marathon while Andile Nxele is hoping to complete it for the first time. Francois Kellerman from Belville, Cape Town is running for the 10th time and hopes to achieve his permanent Green Number. Ayanda Ndlovu is going for his back-to-back medal. Assagay residents Wayne Scott (39 Comrades) with his daughter Storm Scott who is doing her first. Nomvula Bhuku is hoping to complete her first Comrades Marathon this year and is supported by Ntombfuthi Mkhize is going for her ninth. Mxolisi Nyundu, Thandi Ramodingwane and Innocent Macibelo. The Satav family from India, Rashmi, Avyaan and Yogesh. Curtis and David Malila from Edgemead Runners are hoping to make it a family finish at the Comrades Marathon. Brazilians Vitor Franca, Ana Paual Dias and Nailson Silva.Uganda’s Ssembgo John is aiming to complete his first. Ana Jesus and Avelino Costa.
Shiraz has been a community journalist for the last 12 years and has a specific interest in everything sports. He holds a Bachelor of Arts undergrad degree and honours degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal where he majored in Communications, Anthropology and English.
