COMRADES MARATHON – Another world first: promoting AIMS as a platform for road races

The objective in staging the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (Aims) Regional Conference in Pietermaritzburg was to promote Aims as a platform where road races (marathons, halfmarathons and 10 km races) can share expertise and gain access to the latest knowledge and technology available in the international race organisation and event-management industry.

The Inaugural Regional Conference addressed the very important issue of safety at sport events as required by the The Safety at Sport and Recreation Events Act. Speakers included Johan van Staden, Comrades Marathon race director; Robbie Cook, events specialist from Bhejane Special Events; Denise Hattingh from KEU Underwriters cc, who addressed the issue of public liability insurance; and Malcolm Canham, senior risk and safety manager from the City of Durban.

The conference was concluded by John Hall (Maritzburg City Marathon race director) and Van Staden (Comrades Marathon) announcing their intention to launch the first national association for race directors and event organisers in South Africa. It is further envisaged that this association will serve as the platform from which future conferences of this kind will be organised.