CALL FOR COMRADES VOLUNTEERS
It’s 94 days to Comrades race day and as most runners are aware, the 2024 Comrades Marathon will take place on Sunday, 9 June 2024.
For the first time since 2019, the race will be an Up Run, starting outside the Durban City Hall at 05h30, and finishing at the HollywoodBets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
Runners may be less aware of the race’s requirement for volunteers. The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) estimates in excess of 5000 volunteers assist in the lead-up to and hosting of our iconic ultradistance event.
This year, the CMA faces the challenge of recruiting volunteers to assist members of the Race Organising Committee in three primary areas; namely at the Start (which includes both the setup of the start area on Saturday and the marshalling of athletes on race day); at the Finish (which includes both the build-up of the finish venue over the two weekends ahead of the race and the marshalling of athletes and supporters on race day); in addition to performing the duties of marshals along the route on race day.
CMA Race & Operations Manager, Ann Ashworth has called on prospective volunteers to join our band of helpers, saying, “We would be so grateful if you, your friends, family and supporters would consider assisting the Comrades Marathon Association during and/or in the lead up to the race this year.”
Volunteers are able to work shifts on days and at times that work for them. Alternatively, they will be able to choose where along the route they would like to take up post as a marshal.
Volunteering, as the term suggests, is a voluntary act of an individual or group freely giving of their time, labour and skills (i.e. without any expectation of payment or compensation). Comrades volunteers are specifically trained in the areas or portfolios in which they are required.
They will receive hands-on guidance and upskilling, where necessary, by our seasoned and senior Race Organising Committee portfolio heads. Please note that the CMA has a limit on the number of persons for each portfolio and additional volunteers may be deployed to other portfolios, not necessarily of their choosing.
Ashworth adds, “The race cannot happen without volunteers. We appeal to you to step in and proactively contribute to the future safety and success of the world’s oldest and largest footrace.”
The 97th Comrades Marathon will be an Up Run on Sunday, 9 June 2024, starting at the Durban City Hall at 05h30 and ending 12 hours later at the HollywoodBets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
