OLD MUTUAL TAKES CARE OF UNDERPRIVILEGED RUNNERS
CSI NEWS UPDATE
The Comrades Marathon makes a positive difference to the lives of the less fortunate by supporting six official Comrades Charities . Runners can elect to run in support of one of these charities , and runners and supporters are invited to further support them by buying Amabeadibeadi products at the Comrades Expo . More info at www . comrades . com / charities / amabeadibeadi . Meanwhile , here is news from some of our charities
SUPPORT THE SPORTS TRUST As one of the official charities of the Comrades Marathon , the Sports Trust focus this year will be on women in sport , in particular development runners from the KwaZulu-Natal region who have come through the development running programme implemented since 2012 . This programme encourage school learners to take up running , in the hope that one day they will be able to compete in the Comrades Marathon .
To ensure that the Ultimate Human Race is an inclusive event , major sponsor Old Mutual will be sponsoring the Old Mutual Comrades Underprivileged Runners Project over the Comrades weekend . This project has been a part of the world ’ s greatest footrace for the past 16 years .
“ This has been a project very close to the heart of the CMA , enabling us to accommodate runners across the socio-economic spectrum and afford them an opportunity to experience the race . It has given them an opportunity to dream ,” says CMA General Manager , Chris Fisher . “ Through the Underprivileged Runners Project , Old Mutual will demonstrate its spirit of humanity by providing support to hundreds of less fortunate runners wishing to participate in the 2017 Comrades Marathon . We would like to thank Old Mutual for their commitment to these athletes . Initiatives such as these provide life-changing opportunities for such runners and we are proud to be associated with this leading financial services provider .”
Up to 800 runners will be provided with accommodation in Pietermaritzburg , a comfortable mattress and blankets for a good night ’ s rest , ablution facilities as well substantial meals on the evenings prior to and after the race . Transportation will be provided for runners collecting their race packs at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Saturday 3 June , and on race day , runners will be provided with breakfast before being transported to the start in Durban and back to the accommodation facility after the race .
“ Running events like the Comrades Marathon showcase South Africa at its very best ,” says Karen Thomas , Old Mutual Head of Brand . “ Many runners dream of competing in the Comrades Marathon , but for a variety of reasons can ’ t always get to the start line . By sponsoring the Comrades Underprivileged Runners Project , Old Mutual is ensuring that those runners who might not be able to afford the weekend in KwaZulu-Natal now have the chance to be a part of this special day on the South African running calendar .”
After the event , the CMA will donate the blankets and mattresses to various charity organisations in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas . For more information , please e-mail nonkululeko @ comrades . com .
SHARE YOUR COMRADES STORY
Every Comrades Marathon runner has their ultimate tale of courage , perseverance and endurance . The CMA wants you to inspire others to take up the challenge of the world ’ s greatest footrace , by sending us your Comrades Story in 300 words or less , and stand the chance to win a Comrades hamper . Please e-mail your story to delaine @ comrades . com .
The project provides running kits and proper running shoes for school learners from disadvantaged schools , and this year The Sports Trust is raising funds for its Elite Female Team , whose athletes need assistance with paying their school tuition as well as obtaining winter running kit and more running shoes . To help them , you can make a donation at www . thesportstrust . co . za / donations
WILDLANDS CLOTHES FOR LIFE The Wildlands Clothes for Life initiative barters pre-loved clothes for trees or waste , which “ clothes-preneurs ” can then use or sell on to support their livelihoods . So , clear your cupboards and make a positive difference to someone ’ s life ! You can drop off your pre-loved clothing at the Wildlands Chairty stands at the Comrades Expo in Durban and at Comrades Registration in Pietermaritzburg from 1 to 3 June .
CATCH COMMUNITY CHEST ON THE ROUTE The Community is once again grateful to be part of the Comrades Marathon , as one of the selected AmaBeadiBeadi Charities to benefit from this iconic race , and by hosting a refreshment station to ensure that the needs of all runners are met on Comrades day . Their refreshment station will be situated at Fairfield Avenue in Pietermaritzburg , with some 75 volunteers to ensure that runners are well taken care of .
Special thanks to all runners who will be running for the Community Chest . Besides obtaining a seeding in the ‘ C ’ batch and standing a chance to be in the draw for the Berlin Marathon , your fundraising will assist with the education of over 6000 children . Educate a child and we will produce the leaders of tomorrow .
BUY YOUR COMRADES ICE ID BRACELET
Comrades Marathon runners and supporters have been urged to contribute to charitable fundraising by purchasing a personalised Comrades ICE ( In Case of Emergency ) ID Bracelet , as 25 % of the retail price will be donated to the Comrades Marathon ’ s Charity Drive , benefiting the nation-building activities of the six official race charities .
The ICE ID Bracelet is an all-terrain , all-weather medical accessory with the runner ’ s wellbeing in mind , and runners have reported that it is comfortable , lightweight and durable . The silicone strap is flexible and waterproof , and can be cut to size to achieve the ultimate fit , while the curved stainless steel tag wraps around the wrist , offering the ultimate comfort . Meanwhile , the double catch clasp ( tag ) ensures that the bracelet is secure enough to not just open up or fall off . The tag allows for six lines of laser engraving for all the runner ’ s ICE information .
For order and delivery details or further information , please e-mail info @ iceid . co . za .
COMRADES MARATHON ONLINE
www . twitter . com /@ ComradesRace www . facebook . com / ComradesMarathon www . comrades . com
Images : Courtesy CMA
48 ISSUE 94 MAY 2017 / www . modernathlete . co . za