The Race Director plays a pivotal role in the organisation, planning, coordination, and execution of the Comrades Marathon and its associated activities. This position is key to preserving the event’s rich history and traditions while advancing innovation, operational excellence, and an exceptional participant experience.
The Race Director is also responsible for delivering a safe, world-class event that aligns with the Comrades Marathon Association’s values, brand reputation, and strategic objectives, while building strong stakeholder relationships and ensuring sponsor fulfilment.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE - 21 July 2025 at 5PM
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Management
- Contribute to the development of the strategic goals of the Comrades Marathon.
- Drive the implementation of actionable operational plans to deliver on key race milestones and enhance overall event performance.
Event Management
- Oversee end-to-end planning, implementation and execution of all race operations and logistics across all race portfolios.
- Lead the development and execution of detailed operational and technical plans.
- Engage with event stakeholders to define operational needs and deliverables.
- Lead cross-functional teams across volunteer portfolios to meet all operational and logistical requirements.
- Engage with sponsors and stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of race activations.
- Coordinate and manage race day operations, including athlete services, spectator management, route management, safety, medical and emergency response.
- Ensure the delivery of efficient athlete-focused race administration and entry processes.
Risk & Safety Management
- Lead the implementation of health, safety, traffic, and emergency response plans.
- Ensure full regulatory compliance, secure necessary permits, and manage public safety planning with local and national authorities.
- Identify, monitor, and mitigate risks; and ensure the effective communication of risk management plans to stakeholders.
- Manage relationships with emergency services, event safety and security teams, and high-risk communities along the route.
Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Cultivate strong relationships with sponsors, government entities, athletic clubs, charity partners, community organisations and the media.
- Engage with governing bodies and technical officials to ensure adherence to national and international road running rules and regulations.
- Promote equity, accessibility, and community impact across all phases of planning and delivery.
- Ensure transparent, timely communication with all stakeholder groups, runners, and the public.
- Maintain ongoing communication with local and international elite athletes, their agents, and managers, ensuring efficient coordination and high-quality service delivery.
Team, Volunteer & ROC Leadership
- Foster a positive, high-performance culture across staff and volunteers.
- Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for staff and volunteers.
- Lead and manage the Race Organising Committee (ROC) and serve on Board sub-committees.
- Implement a sustainable Volunteer Programme to recruit, retain, train, and motivate volunteer groups.
Budgeting & Financial Oversight
- Oversee race budgeting, race procurement and contract management across all operational aspects.
- Ensure financial controls, accurate forecasting and regular reporting to the General Manager and CMA Board.
- Manage service level agreements (SLAs) with suppliers and service providers to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality delivery.
- Ensure sponsor expectations are met and commercial benefits are realised.
Communications & Media
- Represent the CMA at public briefings, sponsor functions, and media engagements.
- Ensure all communication touchpoints reflect the race’s heritage, values, and reputation.
- Support the implementation of public relations, digital media, and content strategies.
- Oversee athlete communications and post-race media reporting.
- Ensure sponsor branding and event visibility meet contractual obligations and maintain brand integrity.
- Lead operational planning and coordination with local and international broadcasters.
Legacy & Impact
- Support the Comrades Marathon’s charity and community initiatives.
- Champion inclusivity, sustainability, and long-term development goals.
- Evaluate event impact using feedback and performance data to guide future planning.
Post-Event Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Lead comprehensive post-race evaluations, debriefings, and reporting.
- Analyse data on race performance, participant feedback, safety, and sustainability metrics.
- Identify innovations to enhance future events.
- Implement best practices and continuous improvement strategies.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
Professional Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in major sporting events in a management role, ideally within mass participation or endurance sports.
- At least 3 years’ experience managing business functions such as Administration, Public Relations, Human Resources and Finance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects and events.
- In-depth knowledge of corporate governance and general management best practices.
- Experience managing budgets exceeding R5 million.
Technical Knowledge
- Race registration and sports administration processes.
- Multiple venue logistics and course operations.
- Health & safety regulations and permitting processes.
- Familiarity with provincial, national, and international federations and association rules and regulations is advantageous.
Essential Competencies
- Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
- High emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and conflict resolution abilities.
- Proven ability to manage crises and adapt under pressure.
- Collaborative leadership style with effective delegation skills.
- Experience working with national and provincial government departments and public service entities.
- Technological proficiency.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to inspire and motivate large teams.
- Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
- Commitment to stakeholder engagement and relationship-building.
- Strategic thinker with a passion for sports and creating memorable participant experiences.
- Understanding of road running culture and the ecosystem of local and international stakeholders is advantageous.
The above job specification is not exhaustive of the potential duties the successful applicant may be required to perform. It is provided solely to assist potential applicants in determining their suitability for the role.
LOCATION & OTHER DETAILS
- Location: Comrades Marathon House - Pietermaritzburg
- Contract: Onsite, five-year fixed term
- Reports to: CMA General Manager
- Remuneration: Market related plus use of company vehicle
If you meet the criteria for the vacancy, please click the link below to apply:
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Only applications received via this link will be considered. No applications submitted directly to the CMA, the CMA Board, or any other parties will be accepted.
