Years and countless hours of preparation and planning have enabled the event to be recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest ultra-marathon in the world! Since its inception in 1921 over 100,000 athletes successfully completed the Comrades Marathon. This achievement would not have been possible without the cooperation and assistance of partners from local and provincial government, the South African Police Services and the Road Traffic Inspectorate.
In recognition for their invaluable contribution to the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), the race and the athletes, these partners were honoured at a prestigious dinner in Pietermaritzburg on Friday, 15 April 2011. The Pietermaritzburg Mayor, Councillor Mike Tarr was in attendance along with the Heads of Department of the various essential services departments of the Msunduzi and eThekwini Municipality as well as representatives from provincial service departments.
Peter Proctor, the Chairman of the CMA said that it is indeed a great honour to be able to recognize the contribution that these essential service departments make to the Comrades Marathon. “These departments go the extra mile to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators, as well as the smooth running of the traffic system during our race. I look forward to a long and lasting relationship with all the essential service departments on the Comrades Marathon route. On behalf of the Comrades Marathon Association, I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of them,” he said.
In recognition of meritorious service to the Comrades Marathon Association and the community at large, the following parties will receive awards:
- eThekweni Municipality.
- Msunduzi Municipality.
- Msunduzi Public Safety.
- Durban Metro Police.
- South African Police Services – Provincial Office.
- South African Police Services – Durban.
- South African Police Services – Pietermaritzburg.
- Department of Transport – Road Traffic Inspectorate.
***ENDS***
Statement Released on Friday, 15 April 2011