With the original entry cap of 20-thousand for the 2018 Comrades Marathon having been reached last night (20 September), due to unprecedented demand, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) Board has decided to increase the entry cap to 21 500.
This applies to both online and manual entries. The decision is in line with the CMA’s Runners First initiative, aimed at being an all-inclusive sporting event and in order to cater to those athletes who were not expecting such an early closure of the entry process.
The original entry process was intended to run from 1 September to 30 November up until such time as the 20-thousand cap was reached. CMA Race Director, Rowyn James has advised that entries have never been taken up as quickly as they have been this year.
James adds, “We have decided to extend the entry process to include 1 500 more entries for next year’s Down Run. This decision has been taken with due consideration of the integrity of the event and the safety and well-being of participants. Those runners who have entered the race in time will still get to enjoy an ultimate race day experience.”
James adds, “The major attraction for next year’s event being the finish at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium offers world class facilities for our runners as well as stringent safety requirements. That has been a top priority for the CMA.”
Visit www.comrades.com for more information.