Quote for the Day

"A lot of people run a race to see who is the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more." STEVE PREFONTAINE

4 Weeks to go to Comrades 2009

A message from the CMA:

With only 4 weeks to go before race day the CMA is running at full capacity with race preparations as well as finalising and capturing the last couple of hundred entries. By all accounts thus far we should see an increase in the final number of entries this year. Final race entry numbers will be released in due course.

We will be publishing a weekly Newsletter leading up to Comrades, with all the relevant information that you as a runner would be required to know. Check the section “Comrades for Dummies” as well as “Safety Tips.”

NEW SPONSOR

The CMA would like to officially welcome the return of Powerade to the Comrades Marathon. Powerade will be making available Mountain Blast and Orange flavours at the refreshment stations for runners during and after the race.

BONITAS COMRADES EXPO

The Bonitas Comrades Expo will take place at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Dates and Times:
21st May 09h00 - 19h00
22nd May 09h00 - 19h00
23rd May 09h00 - 17h00

For any stand related queries please contact Liezle Bothma via email liezle@conker.co.za

REGISTRATION

We would like to remind all runners that when attending Expo to register for the race, to bring along your Championchip and proof of identification as you will require this to register. NO CHIP NO Registration!!!

QUALIFYING TIMES – DEADLINE 28 APRIL 2009

As you all know, entries have closed for Comrades 2009, but there are still some runners that have not submitted their qualifying details to the CMA. Just a reminder – You may have entered the 2009 race, but if you do not submit a qualifying details you will not be able to start the race. Should you still need to run a qualifying race you may do so this weekend at the races mentioned below. Please be advised that the CMA will be in attendance at the Chatsworth Marathon this weekend, in order for you to submit your qualifying times should you require to do so. You may also fax, phone or email your qualifying details thought to the CMA office.

Remaining Races

25 April 2009: Ultimag SATB 3-in-1, 64km and 42.2km Free State
25 April 2009: Witbank 3-in-1, 52km Mpumalanga
25 April 2009: Oranjerivier Wynkelders Marathon, 42.2km, North West Central
26 April 2009: Chatsworth, Freedom Marathon, 52km, Chatsworth, KZN

COMRADES FOR DUMMIES – PART 1

Months of preparation and training has gone into your goal of completing the 2009 Comrades Marathon. Now - make sure that you put the final touches to your game plan to ensure that it is an enjoyable and hassle free day for you and your faithful supporters.

The information below forms an important part of your final preparations and will ensure that you experience the true spirit of Comrades.

FAQ:

START

• Q: What is the start time?
• A: 05h30, runners are required to be in their seeding pens by 05h15.
  Please allow for more than 1 hour travel time when traveling from Durban.
• Q: Can I leave my kit bag at the start?
• A. Yes. The demarcated area from Biddulphs is where you can leave your bag.
  Please make sure that this is handed in by no later than 05h00
• Q: Is there any other way of having my bag taken to the finish?
• A: Biddulphs will also be at the Comrades Expo and should you wish to drop off your bag at the expo with your change of clothes etc you may do so. This will help assist you in having one less thing to worry about on race day.
• Q: Will there be secure parking facilities at the start, for me to leave my vehicle there while I run?
• A: Unfortunately not, runners are encouraged to be dropped off at the start,
  or make use of transport provided from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
• Q: If I am a seeded runner how will I know where to go?
• A: All runners are seeded according to their qualifying time. The first letter on your race number indicates your seeding batch.
  There will be race officials at the start to assist you.
• Q: If I am seeded in batch “C” and start with batch “B” how will race organisers know I started in the wrong batch?
• A: There will be race officials on hand. You may start in a batch lower than the one indicated on your race number,
  but not in a higher batch, ie – your batch is indicated as C, and your friend’s batch is E.
  You may start with him in batch E, but he may not join you in batch C.
• Q: Can my wife and children / supporters see me off at the start?
• A: Unfortunately not, you will have to say your goodbyes before you get to the start area.

Amabeadibeadi April Competition

SMS “RELAX” to 38275 and stand a chance to win one of two prizes.

1st PRIZE sponsored by Karkloof Spar 2 NIGHTS FOR 2 PEOPLE SHARING: Includes the following treatments: Prize Value R20 660.00

2nd PRIZE sponsored by Hotel Izulu 2 NIGHTS ACCOMODATION & SPA TREATMENT FOR 2 VALUE: PRICELESS AFTER COMRADES!

SMS cost R10.00. Terms and Conditions apply. Entries close on 30 April 2009, winners announced on 5 May 2009.

CLOSING

Please remember if it’s not on www.comrades.com, then it’s not official.

Yours in running,

Comrades Marathon Association

Tel: +27(0)33 897 8650
Fax: +27(0)33 897 8660
info@comrades.com
www.comrades.com

Loskop Marathon 2009

Well done to all our athletes who completed the Loskop 50km Ultra Marathon and Half Marathon on Saturday 18 April.

Wingate had a massive turnout of athletes at the race and it seems that the training for Comrades is well on track, with many of our runners using this race as a qualifying time for the Big C.

Congratulations also to Willie Watson, who (to his surprise) achieved his permanent number for 10 Loskop marathon finishes. That's 2 permanent numbers in 1 month for Willie! (He also finished his 10th Om Die Dam 50km in March)

The Early Morning Run

We all know this feeling too well ...don't we?



Thanks to Phill Rodda for the link.

Two Oceans Results

Congratulations to all our members who completed the Two Oceans today!

56km Ultra Marathon:
Jaco Botha 4:24:10
Rory McGuirk 5:15:12
Bennie Buys 5:23:53
Marni Smit 5:27:43
Michelle Slement 5:38:14
Cindy Smit 5:40:22
Andrew Slement 5:45:28
Estelle Gilbert 5:50:04
Aletta Marshall 6:03:10
Winette Henwood 6:42:28
Liesle Becker 6:52.43
Johan Becker 6:52:44



21km Half Marathon:
Elmien Vermaak 1:59:30
Rynier van der Watt 2:05:08
Jan Vermaak 2:20:30
Gerda Lombard 2:39:45

Comrades Entries: Entry Deadline Extended

The Comrades Marathon Association has confirmed that the deadline for entries has been extended until 6 April @ 18:00.

The extended entry deadline was mainly due to the confusion caused by newspaper reports claiming that the race may be cancelled.  The CMA has categorically denied these reports and has stated that the race will go ahead on 24 May starting at Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing at Sahara Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.

So far, there are 24 entries from Wingate Road Runners.