Comrades Marathon Association addresses runners concerns

THE 97th running of the Comrades Marathon was, by most accounts an enormous success.

That’s according to race and operations manager Ann Ashworth.

She said the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is also aware of, and has received a number of complaints, concerning certain issues which did not go according to plan.

Among the concerns and complaints were the short supply of runner goodie bags to the Durban Registration; the short supply of Robert Mtshali medals to athletes; the late arrival of the buses tasked with the transportation of athletes from the finish area to Durban as part of the Runner’s Bus Service, and the traffic congestion on the N3 highway as well as in the areas immediately surrounding the finish venue, to name a few.

Also read: Piet Wiersma wins Comrades Marathon as Gerda Steyn makes history

Ashworth has given her assurance to all runners and spectators that a full investigation will be made into the cause of these challenges and that steps will be taken to address and resolve all complaints as soon as possible.

“A top-up medal order will be placed for any athlete who did not receive a medal at the finish and, once received, will be couriered to all affected athletes. The CMA’s supplier of goodie bags will be contacted regarding the short delivery of product, and every effort will be made to locate and distribute all missing and/or unaccounted for goodie bag stock. A new portfolio within the Race Organising Committee will be established ahead of next year’s race, the sole responsibility of which will be to anticipate and address any parking and traffic concerns expected to occur on race day,” she said.

With 18 884 Comrades Marathon runners on the start line on Sunday, June 9, and 17 313 finishers, the 97th Comrades Marathon enjoyed a 91,68% finish rate.

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