Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Comrades Marathon: Route Change & Final Entry Numbers


The CMA has completed capturing and processing all entries for the 2010 race, and are pleased to announce that the final entry number is 23 565 entrants.

“This is the second largest “potential” field of runners in History of the Comrades Marathon as in 2000 we had 24 500 at the start. The CMA expect to have a decrease of 8% from runners that do not make the start line due to not qualifying, or injuries obtained etc, but expect no fewer than 20 000 to line up at the start on 30 May 2010. The cut off date for runners to submit their qualifying details is 26 April 2010, and failure to do this will result in the runner’s entry being rejected, and no correspondence will be entered into.” said Johan Van Staaden, Race Director.

2010 Route

After careful consideration due to the increase in numbers running in this year’s event, it was decided at a meeting between the PMB Traffic authorities and the Comrades Marathon Route Committee, to effect a change to the exit route from PMB. The slight route change will allow for an easier flow for the runners and result in a quicker exit from the PMB City Centre.

The new route from the Start will proceed down Chief Albert Luthuli (Commercial Road), turn right into Alexandra Road, and then proceed to the Ritchie Road / Alexandra Road Intersection. The runners will then turn left into Ritchie Road and proceed to Washington Road where it will join the regular Comrades route.

This route offers a much wider and free flowing run and should alleviate congestion on the road.

Runners are cautioned to the fact that there are 3 traffic control "speed bumps" in Alexandra Road, but this should not cause any problems as this part of the road is very well lit.

The CMA Route Committee, is in the process of measuring the new exit from PMB, but in all likelihood, will not change the final distance by any substantial manner. It is expected that the final distance will change by +-300 meters from the 2009 route. As soon as the route distance has been confirmed an official statement will be released by the CMA.

 
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