Comrades Marathon to boost city’s economy

The Comrades Marathon, being hosted in Durban today (Sunday, 10 June) is expected to inject R355-million into the city’s economy, the Executive Committee.

Sello Mokoena of KZN Athletics said the race, which is known as The Ultimate Human Race, received 23,800 entries this year, with 20,000 runners qualifying to run.

Speaking on the economic impact of the race, he said a commissioned independent economic impact assessment done by North-West University found that the Comrades Marathon was the second largest event contributing to the city’s economy. “The Comrades is second only to the Durban July, which generates R440-million,” he said.

The race, which begins in Pietermaritzburg, will end for the first time at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium. Mokoena said entrant numbers are limited because of infrastructural constraints. “At the start of the race, the road needs to be wider to accommodate runners. The finish also has to be bigger which is why we are pleased to partner with the city and have the race end at a bigger venue. We are working to increase the number of applicants, as there is a great demand.”