Race Info

Information For International Entrants

History

The Comrades Marathon started in 1921 when 34 determined runners left Pietermaritzburg for Durban to commemorate their comrades who fell during the Great War. This traditional event has occurred every year, with the exception of the World War II years, and has grown from 34 to over 13 000 runners annually. The Comrades Marathon is a cherished national treasure and attracts thousands of runners, spectators and television viewers every year. We invite you to come and participate in this great event and experience one of Africa’s greatest adventures.

Location

KwaZulu-Natal is often referred to as the "Garden Province" of South Africa, a province of extremes. The coastal regions being lush with green sub-tropical vegetation, the Midlands with its rolling grass hills and meandering lanes and finally the giant basalt peaks of the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains. This is also home to the Zulu nation and the greatest ultra distance road race - the Comrades Marathon. The 2013 Comrades Marathon is a “up run”, starting in Durban at 05h30 and finishing in Pietermaritzburg at 17h30.

Event date Sunday, 2 June 2013

Closing Date of Entries
Entries for the 2013 Comrades Marathon opened on 1 September 2012 and closed on 30 November 2012. There is only one entry window period for ALL ATHLETES to enter whether they are former Comrades runners or Novices. Entries are limited to a maximum of 18,000 and no extensions will be entered into. We urge all runners and potential runners who wish to run the Comrades Marathon to take careful note of the entry process and urge you to enter early to avoid disappointment.

Entries close on the 30 November of each year or once the 18,000 cap has been reached.

Route
The 2013 Comrades Marathon is a “up-run", starting at the City Hall in Durban and finishing at The Cricket Oval in PIetermaritzburg.

Entry forms
Entry forms are available from our office. Electronic/Online entry forms open on the 1 September 2012.

ONLINE ENTRY SYSTEM
In an effort to improve and keep our database up to date and to ensure ease of entry for years to come, you will be redirected to the Mr Price Sport Online Entries website whereby you can enter the Comrades Marathon. Please ensure you have a valid email address and either a Visa or Master Credit Card to complete your online entry.

This is the process that you will need to follow:

• Create a secure login
• Register as a Mr Price Sport member
• Enter 2013 Comrades Marathon
• Pay securely online using your credit card

Please find a detailed step-by-step help:

• Click on "Online Entries" from the front page of the Comrades website which will take you through to http://onlineentries.mrpricesport.com.
• Once you are on the Mr Price Sport Online Entries website, you will need to register as a Mr Price Sport Member by clicking on Register (top right of your screen).
• The first part of this registration is to create a LogMeIn login. You will be directed to LogMeIn (Mr Price Group's Secure login portal) where you will again need to click on the Register button.
• At this point you will need to generate a login by capturing your email address and password as well as a password reminder (something to remind you of what your password is, should you forget it).
• Click on "Create Account".
• An email will be sent to the email address given with a link that you will need to click on to activate your LogMeIn login.
• Click on the activation link on the email to activate your login and then click on "login" with your email address and password.
• Next you will be directed back to Mr Price Sport Online Entries website where you will need to finalise your registration by capturing your personal details.
• Once registered, click on "Enter Event" from the menu and select "Comrades" from the drop-down list.
• Click on the "Enter Myself" or "Enter a Friend" link next to the relevant category: South African, Rest of Africa or International Entry.
• Complete the Entry Form and click on "Save and Continue".
• Click on "Proceed to Checkout".
• Confirm that the information is correct and click on "Proceed to Payment".
• Enter your credit card details.
• Receive payment confirmation online and via email.

Please note that you are able to register with Mr Price Sport Online Entries at any time, but entries for 2013 Comrades Marathon are closed.

Entry fee
Foreign Competitors US$180.00
Rest of Africa ZAR500.00

The entry fee is waived for holders of 25 or more Comrades Marathon Medals.

This includes: Special runner’s package; viewing of the route by coach; visit to the Comrades Marathon House and Museum; Foreign competitor's area at the Bonitas Comrades Experience in Durban to register and collect your race numbers; Race brochure and route map; medal and badge to all finishers; foreign competitor's area at the race finish - with limited seating; tog bag service.

Prizes All athletes who complete the race will receive a special commemorative medal and badge.

Rules of entry

1. The minimum age requirement is that the athlete must be 20 years of age on the day of the race.
2. Foregin competitors, particularly those who compete for any prize, should note that in order for them to take part in the race, they need written approval (Permit) from their own IAAF Affiliated Association.
3. Comrades Marathon shall be restricted to runners only. A mechanical aid of any nature will not be permitted. No runner may run with an animal under any circumstances.
4. All competitors must complete a qualifying race, including international entrants, between 23 June 2012 to 6 May 2013 (as per qualifying table). Please send a copy of the results.
5. Entries must reach the organisers by no later than the respective phases (see above). Facilities for faxed and email entries are available. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please assist the organisers by submitting entries as soon as possible.
6. You are required to complete the entry form in full and it must be noted that the entry fee of US180.00 or ZAR500.00, is NOT refundable. Payment by bank draft or credit card is acceptable.
7. Pre-entry for the Comrades is essential.
8. All athletes are required to own their own personal ChampionChip in order to take part in the event. It is the only timing system that will be used at the 2013 Comrades Marathon. For further details please visit ChampionChip website www.championchip.com

Advertising / running kit

Club, Country or unbranded colours and your 2013 Comrades race numbers must be worn throughout the race. Should you not run for a club, a neutral kit with no sponsorship is essential. In terms of the IAAF, ASA and KZNA rules, no personal sponsors logos / markings are allowed on any competitor's vest or on his person.

Qualifying

You must submit your qualifying details by no later the 6 May 2013. As in 2012, runners will be able to enter before they qualify. This means while all entries will have to meet the entry criteria above, runners will still be allowed to qualify in official qualifying races up until 6 May 2013. Upon qualification, runners simply need to give the time and details of the qualifying race through to the CMA office. Upon receiving the qualifying information the runner’s entry will be confirmed.

Under no circumstances will refunds be made even if you fail to qualify after the closing date. Failure to submit your qualifying details will result in a refjected entry.

Qualifying table

Qualifying / seeding table All entrants must complete a qualifying event between 3 June 2012 to 6 May 2013, within the qualifying times as listed above. All runners will be seeded according to their qualifying times. Entrants qualifying for batches A and B are required to submit proof of qualifying time. 2012 Gold and Silver Medalists automatically qualify for seeding in Batch A.

Updated seeding Runners who have improved their qualifying times after entering may upgrade their seeding by providing written proof no later than 6 May 2013. Seeding upgrades must be applied for, through the CMA office. No upgrade of seeding will be permitted after closing date.

Race numbers and registration You must register at the International Runners Area at the Bonitas Comrades Expo in DURBAN. There you will receive your race numbers, courtesy bag and brochure containing your final instructions.

Date & times of registration Bonitas Comrades eExpo in Durban

Bus tour of the route A bus tour of the Comrades Marathon route for all novice Comrades Marathon runners will take place on Friday, 31 May 2013 and Saturday, 1 June 2013. Runners are to meet at registration at 08h00. The buses will travel the route to Pietermaritzburg where you will be given light refreshments at the Comrades Marathon Museum. The buses will then return to Durban, arriving back at registration at around midday. Please making your bookings with mbali@comrades.com.

Refreshment tables There are 50 refreshment tables on the route. Energade, Pepsi is the carbonated cola beverage and water sachets will be available at each table. Certain tables will offer biscuits, segments of oranges, bananas, cooked potatoes, energy bars and chocolates. Fresh sponges will be available at two points along the route. Sponging troughs will be situated at each refreshment station. The water in the sponging troughs will contain a steriliser.

Seconding
The NO MOBILE SECONDING rule will be strictly enforced. No mobile seconds of any description will be allowed on the route. The STAND AND HAND rule will apply. Any transgression of the seconding rule will lead to disqualification.

Cut-off times
The various cut-off points will be released later this year.

Rescue
Vehicles will travel continually through the field. Should you wish to retire from the race, they will be available to transport you to the finish where medical facilities are available.

Medical facilities - on route
8 Physiotherapy Stations
4 Diabetic stations (where blood sugar can be tested and Insulin will be available)
2 fully staffed medical facilities on the second half of the route.

Medical facilities - finish
St.John Ambulance tent for rubdowns, strapping, physiotherapy, blisters etc. Fully staffed medical facility sponsored by AICC.

Climate and temperature - forecast / average
It is mid-winter at this time of the year, but days are usually clear with an average daytime temperature of 10.5° - 26°C in Durban and 3° - 24°C in Pietermaritzburg.

For further detailed weather report please visit www.weathersa.co.za

Transport
For people staying in Pietermaritzburg there are buses to the start in Durban and from the finish in Pietermaritzburg returning to Durban after the race. Tickets for these buses will be available at the Comrades Experience (Expo).

Enquiries
For further enquiries contact the Comrades Marathon Association: -
Telephone: +27 33 897 8650
Fax: +27 33 897 8660
Email: mbali@comrades.com Website: www.comrades.com

Postal address
Comrades Marathon
PO Box 100621
Scottsville, 3209
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa

^ top