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Do Your Part – Vote for Your Next CMA Board!

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Do Your Part – Vote for Your Next CMA Board!

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) elections are around the corner, giving you the opportunity to shape the future of the iconic race. These elections will be held on Saturday, 30th November 2024, and offer a vital chance for members to select the leadership team that will guide the Comrades Marathon into its next era.

With seven out of nine CMA Board positions up for grabs, this is a unique opportunity to bring in fresh ideas and perspectives. As the marathon approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, there is a renewed emphasis on ensuring it maintains global recognition while remaining true to its South African heritage.

Key Election Information

Annual General Meeting (AGM):

  • Date: Saturday, 30th November 2024
  • Venue: Carter High School, Multipurpose Centre
  • Address: 22 Carter Drive, Athlone, Pietermaritzburg
  • Time: 09H00 for 10H00

Members not able to be in Pietermartizburg for the AGM, will be allowed to present online, and an online voting process will also be available to ensure ALL members with a valid CMA membership will be able to vote.

Please note that if your membership payment was paid after 30 June 2024, you will not be eligible to vote at the 2024 AGM.

Meet the Board Candidates

The following candidates bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. We believe it is important to make an informed decision and as such we have compiled a list of all candidates up for election and their qualifications as well as their actual Comrades Marathon Finishes.

Leslie Burnard:  is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in financial management. As a former CMA Vice Chair and Chair of its Finance Committee, he managed CMA’s finances during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, guiding them back to stability and surplus. A Life Member of Collegians Harriers and former Chair and Race Organizer, his areas of expertise include HR, strategic planning, and risk management. 
Two-time Comrades finisher

Grahame Gertsch: has a varied background in law, education, and business. A retired legal professional, he has served as a prosecutor, advocate, law professor, and Dean of the Law Faculty at Vista University. Now an entrepreneur and restaurateur, Grahame has been Chairman and Race Director of Phobians Athletic Club, in Tshwane, for eight years. His expertise includes commercial and sports law, event management, and community engagement
Four-time Comrades finisher

Alan Gray: is a retired electrical engineer with significant experience in telecommunications and business management across Africa and Asia. He has held senior roles, including KZN Regional Manager for MTN and Group Director of Celtel International, overseeing operations in multiple countries. His expertise includes HR, industrial relations, accounting, and race organization.
Green Number holder (7010) with 12 Comrades medals

Mark Leathers: is an attorney with over 20 years of experience working with large corporate clients. His areas of focus include corporate governance, commercial law, dispute resolution, and business security. Known for his energetic and practical approach
One Comrades medal

Brenda Marolen:  brings over three decades of experience in HR, business operations, corporate social investment, and finance. She has also been involved in athletics administration as a club founder, secretary, and chairperson. Brenda has worked with organizations such as SA Express Airways and Thebe Investments, and she has a strong interest in athlete development and community upliftment.

Willie Mtolo:  is a renowned runner with a long and distinguished career. A multiple gold medalist and former New York Marathon winner, he has also represented South Africa as a national marathon champion. Willie’s experience extends to coaching, farming, and founding the Willie Mtolo Training Academy, where he supports athletes from all backgrounds. 
Eight-time Comrades finisher and Green Number holder (1119)

Mqondisi Ngcobo: is the immediate past CMA Chairperson with a background in public administration. Currently a Senior Manager in the KZN Legislature, he has nearly two decades of experience in leadership roles. Mqondisi has also worked as a Deputy Director at Statistics South Africa and is well-regarded for his organizational and administrative skills.
Six-time Comrades finisher

Carel Nolte: is the Chief Marketing Officer of EasyEquities and founder of CN&CO Brand Consultancy. He has been recognized for his contributions to charity fundraising at the Comrades Marathon and co-founded the Born2Run Athletic Club. Carel’s expertise includes HR, public relations, fundraising, and financial services.
Three-time Comrades finisher

Rory Steyn: has a distinguished career in security and event management. Formerly the team leader of Nelson Mandela’s personal protection unit, he co-founded NSA Global Security Consultants and has worked on the security planning for major global events, including the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.
Green Number holder (42743) with 12 Comrades medals

Patricia Freeman: has 35 years of experience in corporate banking, specializing in financial admin, sales, marketing, and consulting. She’s currently the Club Manager at Stella Sports Club and has been involved in various volunteer roles, including at uShaka Sea World and Albert Luthuli Hospital. Patricia has served on the CMA Board since 2019 and has been a member since 2008. She’s also chaired the CSI committee and volunteered at the Comrades Expo.
30 Comrades Marathons and a Triple Green Number (6883).

Busani Ndlovu: a qualified accountant with a BCompt Honours in Accounting. He is currently running a private consulting business, which he started in May 2024. Busani has previously served as the CEO of Inzalo, a subsidiary of a listed entity, and as CFO at KZN Cogta and uMgungundlovu District Municipality for 7 and 8 years, respectively. A CMA member since 2022.
Three-times Comrades finisher

Solomon Mbatha is a retired Head Master, teacher, theologian, and financial manager, with experience as a trainer and curriculum facilitator in the Department of Education. He has a long history with the Comrades Marathon, serving as a member of the Comrades Marathon Council, club administrator, and volunteer on the road. Solomon has been an active CMA member since 2016, regularly attending council meetings and volunteering as a marshal.

Philemon Bhekumuzi Nkosi:  has over 20 years of experience in the agro-processing sector, including roles as General Manager. He completed governance training through the King IV Code at IoDSA and became a Certified Director in 2023. He has been a CMA member since June 2024 and Deputy Chairperson of Chillie Running Club’s KZN branch. He holds a BTech in Chemical Engineering, an MBA from Henley Business School, and additional certifications in management and project management from UNISA.
Ran his first Comrades Marathon in 2022 and has completed three consecutive races since, aiming for his Green Number.

Grant Matkovich: is a Doctor of Chiropractic with 21 years of private practice experience in Durban and a lecturer in biomechanics at Durban University of Technology’s Faculty of Health Sciences. A CMA member for 12 years, Grant has volunteered on the ROC for 10 years as the International Hospitality Portfolio Convener. He has also assisted in medical waiting, start logistics, and Green Number Club registration. He has served on the CMA Charities Committee for 4 years and is a current CMA-appointed Board member. Grant is the Chairman of Stella Athletic Club and serves on the Stella Royal Race Committee. He participated in the 2013 Unogwaja Challenge, raising over R500,000 for Comrades charities, and ran for Community Chest in 2023.
Eleven-times Comrades Marathons and  Green Number (52246).

Make Your Voice Count

The CMA Board plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Comrades Marathon. By voting, you have the power to influence decisions that will impact the event’s growth, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the legacy of The Ultimate Human Race. Cast your vote and take part in shaping the next chapter of this historic race. Together, we can ensure that the Comrades Marathon continues to inspire runners and fans for generations to come!

We are awaiting feedback on how the Electronic Voting will work, as soon as this information has been available to us we will release so all members can be prepared come voting day. 

Joseph’s Journey: Marathon Success & Racing with Under Armour

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Q: Hi Joseph, well done on your recent second place at Soweto Marathon, superb achievement. It was a 02:18:54 that you ran. Was a tough battle that you had with Onalenna Khonkhobe, who has had an incredible year. You must be happy with your performance?

A: Thank you! I am really pleased with my performance at Soweto Marathon. It was a challenging race, especially going head-to-head with someone as talented as Onalenna Khonkhobe. Finishing with a 2:18:54 was a great result, and it’s always motivating to compete at such a high level.

Q:How are you enjoying your time with Hollywood Bets Athletics Club?

A: I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my time with the Hollywood Bets Athletics Club. The support from the club and my teammates has been fantastic, and it has made a real difference in my training and race preparation. Being a part of a team that values athletes so highly is a privilege and really helps me level up my performances.

 

Q: You were wearing the Under Armour Velociti Elite shoes when you ran the race, tell us how these shoes make you feel? How are you finding the carbon plates work for your style of running?

A: The Velociti Elite shoes have helped me take it to the limit a lot more for a lot longer. The carbon plate works seamlessly with my running style, offering the right amount of propulsion without feeling too rigid. They feel fast, responsive, and give me the confidence to push harder in races.

 

 

Q: What would your advice be to the standard marathon runner out there, running a marathon between 4 -6 hours on carbon plated shoes, should they buy them, or would you recommend they stay in shoes without carbon plates and your reasons for this?

A: For marathoners running between 4–6 hours, I would say carbon-plated shoes can be beneficial if you are comfortable with the investment. However, they work best for those who have trained with them and can use the propulsion effectively. If not, a good pair of traditional trainers might be more forgiving and comfortable for longer durations.

 

Q: You are obviously racing in the Under Armour Velociti Elite shoes, which shoes do you do your daily runs and high mileage in?

A: For daily training and high mileage, I use the Under Armour’s HOVR Infinite range. They are durable, offer great cushioning, and keep my legs feeling fresh even after long runs. Having a reliable training shoe is key to staying injury-free and consistent.

 

Q: What is the next big focus race for you in South Africa from a racing point of view, as we move into a quiet time on the racing calendar?

A: As we enter the quieter part of the racing calendar, my next big focus will be on the Two Oceans Marathon. This quiet time provides me with an opportunity to refine my training and strategy as I aim to build on the momentum and achievements of this year’s and push further to elevate my performance to new level.

Q: Under Armour is making great strides in the road running market, why should someone who has run in other brands give them a try?

A: Under Armour has really stepped up in road running. Their focus on innovation, comfort, and performance is evident in the Velociti Elite and other models. For anyone hesitant, I’d recommend trying them—you’ll notice the difference in how responsive and well-engineered their shoes are.

For the Record…

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A brand new record was recently added to the running section of the world-famous Guinness World Records, with the name of South African ultra-marathoner Henk Moen as the new holder. There is one heck of a story behind this achievement, including the fact that he never actually set out to break this particular record. In fact, he didn’t even know it existed when he started his record quest, and only realised he’d broken the record after he’d finished his incredible challenge! – By Sean Falconer

Beware the Polar Bears!

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In December 2019, Mauritz Jansen van Rensburg flew down to Antarctica to take part in the Antarctic Ice Marathon. Just short of five years later, he found himself at the opposite end of the world, running the North Pole Marathon on the ice of the Arctic Circle, while keeping a wary eye out for hungry polar bears, and just like in Antarctica, he came home with another international podium finish. We sat down with him for a Q&A about this incredible experience. – Interview by Sean Falconer 

Marathon Signed, Sealed & De(liver)ed

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Having undergone a life-changing liver transplant in 2022, Joburg-based Coreen Walstra has used running as part of her recovery process, building up to her marathon debut at the recent Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. She crossed the finish line in five hours and 46 minutes, and is now fired up to continue her running journey to next year’s Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra. This is her inspirational story.

Xaba, Munnik strike Gold at inaugural Boxer Super Run Tshwane

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Glenrose Xaba and Luan Munnik stole the show at the inaugural Boxer Super Run Tshwane, held on Sunday, 10 November 2024, at TUKS (Uitspan). They clinched gold in the Elite Women’s and Elite Men’s races with remarkable times of 15:42 and 13:50, respectively.

Coming off a historic victory and a national record at the Cape Town Marathon, Glenrose Xaba had one more goal before taking a well-earned break: proudly representing her club, Boxer Athletics Club (AC), at the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane.

“The first 2-3 km felt smooth, but I could still feel the marathon in my legs during those last 2 km,” Xaba shared with a beaming smile. “I kept pushing, reminding myself that I needed to perform for my club. My strategy was to break away early because, after a marathon, I knew slowing down would allow others to catch up. Starting strong and holding my pace was my best bet. I’m so grateful for this year. Thanks to God, my coaches Caster and Ledile Violet Semenya, Rhyn Swanepoel from Boxer AC, and my teammates like Karabo More, who pushes me with her speed. Special thanks to my grandmother, my mom, and Lebogang Phalula for always supporting me.”

Reflecting on the event, Xaba added, “The Boxer Super Run is a fantastic platform for young runners. It encourages them to start with shorter distances before jumping into 10km or half marathons. I only moved up to the 10km races after becoming a senior, so I appreciate that Boxer is creating opportunities for athletes to develop their strength at a comfortable pace. Winning the first race in Durban last year and now here in Tshwane feels incredibly special, and I’m truly grateful.”

Boxer AC athletes rounded out the podium, with Karabo More taking 2nd and Cacisile Sosibo in 3rd.

Legendary middle-distance runner and respected coach Caster Semenya made her Boxer Super Run debut with an impressive 7th place finish in 17:58.

“It was a tough but beautiful race,” Semenya said. “I love challenging myself, even if I’m semi-retired as an athlete. It’s exciting to see that I can still finish in the top 10. Running alongside my athletes and watching them thrive is deeply fulfilling. The energy of the Boxer Super Run is fantastic. Seeing so many people participating is a joy—it keeps young people off the streets and encourages them to focus on something positive.”

On the men’s side, Luan Munnik celebrated his first major road victory with a standout performance.

“The Boxer Super Run is an amazing challenge,” Munnik remarked. “For track athletes like me, it’s a great test of endurance, and for road runners, it’s a speed battle. The event has the perfect blend of competition, support, and excitement. I went out hard to establish some dominance early on. About 1km in, Maxime Chaumeton broke away, with Elroy (Gelant) chasing. I decided to respond, and it turned into a back-and-forth between Elroy and me. With 800m left, I made my final surge, and it worked. Big congratulations to Elroy for securing another medal at a Boxer event—he’s an exceptional athlete. Winning today feels amazing; it’s my first big win on the road.”

Boxer AC’s Elroy Gelant finished in 2nd, with Chris Mhlanga securing 3rd place.

“Congratulations to Glenrose Xaba and Luan Munnik for becoming the first champions of the Boxer Super Run Tshwane! You both set a high standard for this event,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “The support from our sponsors, participants, and spectators truly made this event unforgettable. Hosting a top-tier 5km race in Tshwane is an exciting milestone, and we’re thrilled to bring such quality racing to this community.”

Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, added, “We were blown away by the incredible performances. The atmosphere was absolutely electric. A big congratulations to our winners, Glenrose and Luan, who made this debut event unforgettable. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved, from participants to passionate fans. This event has set the bar high, and we can’t wait to build on its success.”

Event Information:
2024 Boxer Super Run Tshwane
The 5km distance continues to grow in popularity worldwide, and the Boxer Super Run Tshwane lived up to the hype, attracting a mix of seasoned athletes and enthusiastic newcomers. This event truly had something for everyone, giving Tshwane a firsthand experience of a world-class 5km road race.

Exciting News: Discovery Vitality members earned Vitality points after completing the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane.

Impressive Prize Purse: The 2024 Boxer Super Run in Tshwane featured an impressive prize purse of R147,200.00, available to both the Elite Race and Open Wave participants. In the Elite Race, prize money was awarded to the top 8 male and female finishers, with the winners each receiving a well-earned R20,000. Additionally, in the Open Wave, the top 3 male and female finishers across various categories—Junior, Open, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+—were also recognized and rewarded for their efforts.

Same Great Race – New Name

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The Dis-Chem Half Marathon Relaunches as The Biogen Half Marathon presented by Momentum Multiply for 2025.

After 22 years, Dis-Chem is proud to announce that its leading sports and wellness brand, Biogen has been appointed as title sponsor in 2025 for the Half Marathon and 5km Dash, with presenting sponsor Momentum Multiply joining for their second year running.

The 23rd edition is proudly hosted by Bedfordview Country Club Athletics and will take place on 12 January 2025. Runners can look forward to the same high-quality event, with exceptional value, with a challenging route winding its way through the hills of Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose. The route offers spectacular views and will offer the perfect
kickstart to the running calendar in the New Year.

‘We are extremely proud of our 22-year sponsorship of the event’ said Rui Morais – CEO Dis-Chem Pharmacies. ‘The promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and our emphasis on overall well-being has always been an anchor to the Dis-Chem brand, and this focus, supported by an ongoing investment in sport, simply echoes the brand promise that ‘Better Health
Starts Here’. The long-standing relationship with Bedfordview Country Club Athletics has served us well, and we have no doubt the team will deliver another first-class event, now with our premium brand Biogen at the forefront.’

Charnia Yapp, Race Director, said, ‘Bedfordview Country Club Athletics looks forward to hosting the 23rd race with a new title sponsor still within the Dis-Chem Group. We are delighted to continue the journey with Biogen, Momentum Multiply, Dis-Chem and all the co-sponsors who make races like ours possible for novice and seasoned runners to enjoy. The
sponsors bring incredible value to the runners.’

Presenting sponsors Momentum Multiply offer a world-class wellness rewards programme that rewards members from day one for looking after their mental and physical wellbeing.

‘You earn rewards from day one for making healthy choices and for every step you take to improve your overall health. We’re excited to partner with the Biogen Half Marathon and 5km Dash because it aligns with getting our members to make healthier choices and stay active,’ said Márcia Eugénio – Head of Multiply that is part of Momentum Health
Solutions.

Momentum Health Solutions is also avid supporters of multiple disciplines of sports across South Africa, with sound investment in cricket, cycling and running to name a few.

Biogen Brand Manager, Brandon Fairweather shares the sentiment. ‘Biogen have worked with Momentum Health Solutions on multiple, national events and it’s a seamless, natural fit with both brands being focused on the enhancement of health and fitness.’ He added: ‘We’re excited for this opportunity and grateful that Dis-Chem have entrusted us with their flagship event, and we look forward to building on what is already known to be a world class run.’

The Half Marathon will have a seeded start and will be timed as per normal. The race starts in Riley Road in Bedfordview at 06:00am on Sunday and the 5km Dash will also be timed, starting 30 mins later at 06:30am on the same day.

The race is known to sell out within a couple of weeks of entries opening. There are 6000 entries available for the 21km race and all entrants will receive a technical race T-shirt and goodie bag. Entries are open online www.biogen21.co.za and close on 15 December or once the 6000 available entries are sold. The 5km Fun Run will be back and there are 1000 entries available.

Funds will also be raised for the two race charities: Lambano Sanctuary and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation, which undertakes the sterilisation, vaccination and treatment of animals in informal settlements on the East Rand. All donations by runners, over and above their entry fee, will be matched by the Dis-Chem Foundation.

ENTRIES OPEN ARE OPEN!