Wesley Botton

By Wesley Botton

Chief sports journalist


Comrades Marathon by numbers

An alternative look at one of the world's most famous ultra marathons.


The 94th edition of the Comrades Marathon will be held in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday.

With nearly 25 000 runners taking part in the ‘up’ run, we take a closer glance at the race by numbers.

7 – Former winners who are in the elite field this year. They include Bongmusa Mthembu, David Gatebe, Gift Kelehe, Ludwick Mamabolo, Ann Ashworth, Camille Herron and Charne Bosman

41 – Refreshment stations on the route, which will be stocked with water, fruit, energy drinks, energy bars, chocolates, biscuits and potatoes.

69 – Total number of Russian entrants who had to fight a suspension from Athletics South Africa in court on Friday to be cleared to participate. They won the battle and they will run.

70 – Doctors, nurses and interns who will provide medical assistance to runners at the finish.

72 – Buses and vans which will collect athletes who miss cut-offs along the route or are unable to reach the finish.

509 – Police officers who will swap their uniforms for running kit to participate in the race.

982 – Runners from Team Vitality in Central Gauteng, the largest club represented at the race.

1 200 – Marshals along the route who will assist traffic officials on the day.

3 797 – Foreign runners who will take part.

24 430 – Total number of runners who have qualified and registered to participate.

082 911 – The Netcare 911 emergency number to be used for all calls for medical assistance for runners.

86 830 – The distance of the race in metres.

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