COMRADES MARATHON 2012 – Entries to the 2012 Ultimate Human Race are nearing their end, so if you haven“t entered – don“t delay, enter today!!!

COMRADES Runners News – November 2011

"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare." – Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner

As the holiday season approaches, many of you are going to find it hard to stick to your usual running routine. But don"t despair! Our official Comrades coach, Lindsey Parry is on hand to make your 2012 Comrades Marathon run that much easier to conquer.

Together with Brad Brown and the CMA"s marketing team, they have traversed the Rainbow Nation, taking the Comrades road show to our runners out there. If you were unable to attend any of these, remember to diarise the dates of the road show closest to you in the new year. You will find the Schedule on our website www.comrades.com. Also, don"t be left out in the cold!

Entries to the 2012 Ultimate Human Race are nearing their end, so if you haven"t entered – don"t delay, enter today!!!

CATHSSETA SPIRIT OF COMRADES AWARDS

Three extremely deserving Comrades Marathon veterans were presented with the coveted Cathsseta Spirit of Comrades gold medallions at the CMA"s glamorous awards banquet at Durban"s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, 21 October 2011.

The first admirable recipient was Dr Wayne Korras, who was involved in a tragic accident whilst training. Being in a coma for nearly a month, the indomitable doctor returned to the ultra-marathon in top form after an extensive and inspirational period of healing.

Next in line for the golden handshake was popular Kwaito star Kabelo Mabalane, who fought a long battle against drugs and substance abuse before deciding to clean up his act and become a huge inspiration to the youth and South Africans in general. Kabelo is aiming for his Green Number.

The third medallion went to the kind-hearted Michael Wilkinson, a Green Number Holder with 11 Comrades Marathon medals to his name. This humble private school teacher took on the noble role of training partner and guide to blind runner Stefan Steyn, who together conquered the grueling 89km road-running race six times.

The dazzling evening also saw the "Recognition of Valued Support" being presented to three individuals who wholeheartedly embody the ethos of giving off their best. This noteworthy Comrades acknowledgement was bestowed upon Board member Jeff Minnaar and two pivotal individuals at the Comrades Marathon"s host broadcast partners, SABC, namely Jack Downie and Pim Lubbe.

The CMA also honoured Modern Athlete reporter Michelle Pieters as the "Top Journalist of the Year" for her tireless reporting of Comrades news.

COMRADES ENTRIES 2012

The month of November sees the 2012 Comrades Marathon entry process reach its official end, currently holding its third highest field of international entries in its 87 year history.

Runners from as far afield as Japan, Brazil, USA, the Indian subcontinent and a host of European countries will represent a current total of 53 nations in the world"s greatest road running race. For the very first time, the CMA will welcome athletes from such exotic locations as Bahrain, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Malta, Oman, Slovenia, Thailand and Venezuela.

Among the passionate participants who have already entered back home, are KZN Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo and notable South African runner Zola Budd-Pieterse. Kwaito star Kabelo Mabalane is also registered to run his seventh Comrades next year. Add to that, three local radio personalities Brad Brown and Koula from 94.7FM and Phindi Gule from Gagasi 99.5FM. For more details, please visit www.comrades.com

CMA AT NEW YORK MARATHON

The CMA team enjoyed an exciting time promoting The Ultimate Human Race at the New York Marathon. It was also pleasing to see African athletes making their mark at the popular race. Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya came out tops with our very own three-time Comrades Marathon champion Stephen Muzhingi, coming in 33rd position in a finishing time of 2:29.11. Comrades King Bruce Fordyce was also there clocking in at 2:58:51.

COMRADES MARATHON ROAD SHOWS

The CMA"s dynamic marketing team will continue their great nationwide road shows into the new year. The intention is to get all aspirant Comrades participants from the regions of Mpumalanga, Vaal Triangle, Central North West, Griqualand West and South Western Districts to best prepare themselves for The Ultimate Human Race in 2012 and enjoy a mighty good run.

Over the years, these sought after information sessions and workshops have gone a long way in empowering runners with the necessary training and injury prevention tips that have seen them not just getting to the start but also completing the grueling race.

Please visit www.comrades.com for the latest Road Show Schedule.

RACE4CHARITY

The CMA urges all runners to support its nation-building Amabeadibeadi campaign. Through this charitable innovation, the CMA is hoping to build on the foundation it has laid in 2011, which is evident by the theme for the 2012 Comrades Marathon which is "The Spirit of Giving, The Spirit of Caring, The Spirit of Winning! – That is The Spirit of Comrades!"

The CMA has once again allocated a special seeding batch for those runners who have raised money for the Amabeadibeadi charities in the build up to the 2012 Comrades Marathon.

In order to qualify to start in this batch, runners need to raise a minimum of R5000. The benefits of qualifying for this seeding batch include the superior seeding at the start, special goodie bags, elite registration area and spot prizes exclusive to the charity seeding group. Normal entry and qualification criteria still apply for runners of the 2012 Comrades Marathon.

The Race4Charity is the brainchild of radio personality Brad Brown who lost his mother to breast cancer just before the 2010 Comrades down run and wanted to make Comrades a "significant race in giving back to the people of South Africa".

To create your profile on Race4Charity or support your runner, go to www.race4charity.co.za and get into the spirit of sharing and caring.

Race4Charity Fact File:

• 2011 was the first time the CC Batch was introduced
• 224 runners raised funds of which 90 runners qualified
• R714.000 was raised for Amabeadibeadi Charities
• 84 runners were registered in the CC Batch
• 82 started (98%)
• 69 finished (84%)
• Top Donor was Paul Mandel from USA who raised R20.518

GIFT STORY

Amabeadibeadi is grateful to Gift Story (Pty) Ltd for its generous support. 15% of the purchase value of orders received from you – our members, runners and supporters – will be donated to our six official Amabeadibeadi charities.

We urge you to support this project and order not only "Comrades" themed products but also the other items you would normally buy for the upcoming festive season, as 15% of all items purchased by you will go towards the Amabeadibeadi initiative. See page 7 of the attached Gift Story catalogue for Comrades themed products.

CMA STAFF SUPPORTS PMB CHILDREN"S HOME

In its drive to build its social footprint in the local community and help make a difference in the lives of needy children, the CMA staff has adopted the Pietermaritzburg Children's Home as its corporate social initiative. The institution was identified as a truly deserving candidate for the amazing social work it has achieved over the years. To this end, the staff is raising money to help with the revamp and look forward to your support in its fundraising initiatives.

SOCIAL NETWORKING

Be part of the Comrades family online and be the first to receive the latest Comrades Marathon happenings:

• Follow us on www.twitter.com @ComradesRace
• Like or comment on www.facebook.com/ComradesMarathon
• Or visit www.comrades.com for first hand information!

OFFICE CLOSURE

An early reminder to our runners that the CMA offices will be closed from 9th December 2011 till 5th January 2012. The CMA Board and Staff send our runners a wish of safety, serenity and a super-exciting holiday season.

Yours in running,

Comrades Marathon Association