GEMS COMRADES DISADVANTAGED RUNNERS PROGRAMME 2024

There are two days left for financially disadvantaged athletes to apply to be part of the Comrades Disadvantaged Runners Programme during the 2024 Comrades Marathon. This has been an ongoing feature of The Ultimate Human Race since 1999 and is only available to unemployed athletes or those earning less than R6000 per month.

Thanks to CMA partner, Government Employee Medical Scheme (GEMS), disadvantaged runners will be accommodated at the YMCA at 1 Alan Paton Avenue in Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg.

The GEMS Comrades Disadvantaged Runners Village will operate from 8 to 10 June, offering sleeping facilities on the eve of the race (08 June 2024) and the night of the race (09 June 2024), as well as carbo-meals, energy drinks and transportation to the race.

These athletes will be provided with safe sleeping quarters, a comfortable mattress and blanket; meals and tea/coffee on the morning of race day.

However, due to overwhelming demand and limited space, runners are urged to apply early, as this offer is open to all disadvantaged runners throughout South Africa.

Runners are reminded that their initial transportation from their place of residence to either Durban or Pietermaritzburg and back to their residence will be for their own expense. In order to plan adequately, the CMA requires that applications are made by no later than 17 May 2024.

In order to qualify for the programme, runners must be unemployed or earn less than R6000 a month. A copy of the runner’s salary slip or an affidavit declaring their unemployment or earnings will need to accompany their application.

Please email Sifiso Mngoma: sifiso@comrades.com for more details.