A VILLAGE for disadvantage runners will be in full swing at next years 90th Comrades marathon.
Bruce Fordyce and Complete marathons have made it their object to launch a Runners Village for these runners, who complete at the Comrades Marathon in order to ease up the restraints posed to them when they want to compete at the marathon.
The announcement took place on Thursday July 31, when Fordyce and the Complete Marathons teams made it public.
This follows the successful pilot of Bruce Fordyce’s Complete Marathons concierge service at this year’s Comrades Marathon for all local and overseas participants.
“The Complete Marathons Village goal is to sponsor 200 disadvantaged South African runners from various running clubs within the country,” said Fordyce. Sponsorship opportunities exist for branding and to support the Village.
The Village is the brainchild of Fordyce, who sees the need to support ‘homeless’ runners, who do not have the funds for accommodation.
“We aim to house and cater for the disadvantaged athletes before, during and after key races in shared accommodation in a stable dome frame. The accommodation will consist of a two-man tent with two mattresses, two blankets, branded fly sheets, a solar light and sleeping bag,” said Fordyce.
“In addition, each beneficiary will have access to full ablutions, including showers and toilet facilities. Race lockers will also be provided to assist the runners in keeping their gear safely stored,” he said. Breakfast and dinner will be provided.
“Understanding that this vital project rests entirely on ensuring that the beneficiaries involved are clearly identified and well assisted, the process of selecting beneficiaries will be carefully managed,” he said.
All running clubs in South Africa will be approached and advised of the opportunity that exists for disadvantaged runners from their club to be included at the Complete Marathon Village.
“Each club will need to provide a written motivation identifying the runner/s they would like to recommend for consideration. Driven by the BEE Codes of Good Practice, a committee will be established to select beneficiaries based on this written submission, taking into consideration factors such as an income of less than R3 000 per month and current employment status of nominated beneficiaries,” said Fordyce.
It will be aimed at all runners at future races and sporting events, including next year’s Comrades Marathon. The focus will be on travel and accommodation packages, airport transfer, route tours, race day support marquees on the route, an after-party and shuttle services before and after the race.
Runners will have the opportunity to board a coach and travel the exact route of the race with Fordyce, the guide to answer runner’s questions as well as providing advice.
