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Barry Holland co-opted onto Comrades Marathon Board

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Barry Holland co-opted onto Comrades Marathon Board

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is pleased to announce the co-option of Comrades Quadruple Green Number runner and race organiser, Barry Holland onto its Board. Barry Holland, a legendary figure in the Comrades Marathon community, brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the race.

Barry’s association with the Comrades Marathon spans over five decades, during which he has completed an incredible 49 consecutive races, a testament to his dedication and endurance. His extensive knowledge of the race and his commitment to the running community make him an invaluable addition to the CMA Board. He is a past Chairperson and Club Captain of both Jeppe Quondam and Dolphin Coast Striders and has organised many large-scale events including the well-known Balwin Sport Dolphin Coast Marathon.

Barry has been a prominent figure in the running community, not only as a participant but also as a mentor and advocate for the sport. His co-option onto the CMA Board is expected to bring fresh perspectives and enhance the strategic direction of the organization.

CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo says, “We are thrilled to welcome Barry Holland to the Board. His unparalleled experience and passion for the Comrades Marathon will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of the race.”

On his acceptance of the Board co-option, Barry says, “It is an honour to be co-opted onto the CMA Board. The Comrades Marathon has been a significant part of my life, and I look forward to contributing to its future and supporting the running community.”

 #Comrades2025 will be a Down Run on Sunday, 8 June 2025. The race starts at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05h30 and ends 12 hours later at Durban’s People’s Park, covering an approximately 89km distance. This will be the 49th Down Run.

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. 

Good… Better… Gerda!

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Good… Better… Gerda!

With her record-breaking victory in the 2024 Comrades Marathon, Gerda Steyn added yet another accolade to her already glittering running career, and further cemented her status in many people’s minds as the greatest female ultra-athlete produced by South Africa to date. We caught up with her for an in-depth chat about her big win, the upcoming Olympic Marathon in Paris, and other aspects of her running. – By Sean Falconer

Ann Ashworth gets the boot

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Ann Ashworth gets the boot

It should have been a triumphant celebration of a job well done – but instead, Comrades Marathon Race & Operations Manager Ann Ashworth has left the organisation, alleging that a smear campaign was mounted against her. We chat to Ann, and get her story about what happened “behind closed doors.” Watch the full video below.

In a social media post, she wrote: “My time at the CMA has come to an end. The Board feels that I lack the necessary leadership and race management abilities to continue to serve as the Race & Operations Manager.” In the comments on the post, responding to a question about what went on behind closed doors, she added “… my job was promised to someone else months ago. That person will resume the position after actively sabotaging me in the office and in the media.”

The Comrades Association later issued a statement confirming that Ann would no longer be in the position: “The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) regrets to announce the departure of Ann Ashworth from her role as the Comrades Marathon Race & Operations Manager with immediate effect. We wish to thank her for her contribution to a highly successful race.”

The CMA also addressed what’s come to be known as “Vanillagate” (after a board member put out a public call for more people to register as members of the association so it was no longer “all vanilla”. In its statement, association chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo was quoted as saying that the “so-called ‘Vanillagate’ saga has no bearing on (Ann’s) departure”.

Elsewhere in the statement the CMA quoted its Constitution, stating that the board is not able to remove a member. But legendary coach Norrie Williamson, in a social media post, contradicted this, saying the constitution allows any board member to be suspended and given a hearing to answer to charges, including those of bringing the CMA into disrepute or acting against its interests.

This is the latest in a series of pressure points for the Comrades. Last year’s cut-off debacle angered many. But, by all accounts from runners and the community at large, Ann did a good job and ushered in a lot of positive changes this year. Was it perfect? No – but no race is.

So where to from here? Our advice is to get as many runners as possible to join the CMA. This is the only possible way to have a say in the future of the race, including the selection of board members.

Join the CMA Association to have your say

CMA Membership is open to individuals 18 years and older who are either active runners, active volunteers, or retired/longstanding runners/volunteers, who subscribe to the objectives of CMA and wish to participate in its activities in compliance with the CMA Constitution, vision and values.

To be eligible to vote at the 2024 AGM your membership application and membership fee of R100 must be received by no later than 30 June 2024.



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Nedbank running club fields most competitive Comrades field to date

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Nedbank running club fields most competitive Comrades field to date

The Nedbank running club’s famous green Nike vests have dominated running events around the country, and even more so, the Comrades Marathon, dubbed the ultimate human race. 2024 is no different and at this years Comrades Marathon, the club has a record 48 athletes entered under elite status and will be looking for more than just a win.

“Without a doubt, this is the strongest and most competitive team we have ever had at the Comrades Marathon,” says Nick Bester, National team manager of the Nedbank running club and former race winner. “Besides having the defending champion of both the up run and down runs, we have multiple Comrades gold medallists that will take part this year as well as some very interesting novices who can perhaps spoil the party on the day.”

Leading the team will undoubtedly be the duo of Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi. Coming into this year’s race, Mothibi is the defending up run champion with the race last going up to Pietermaritzburg in 2019, whilst Dijana has won the last two Comrades down runs back-to-back, which included last year’s record-breaking run. The two train together and are known as the happy bunch with gold medallist teammates Joseph Manyedi, Dan Matshailwe and Johannes Makgetla also returning this year.

Also returning will be Piet Wiersma. Referred to last year as the unknown dutchman, the youngster of the team finished 2nd on debut, only 3 seconds behind Dijana and this year has focussed solely on the Comrades Marathon, having prepared for the race in Kenya. “This year we have had athletes focussing on the race from all different corners of the globe,” said Bester. “Tete and the other guys had their base in Dullstroom for the high altitude and Piet chose to train in Kenya for the bulk of his Comrades prep.

Giving a serious attempt at Comrades this year will be Onalenna Khonkhobe who made a name for himself leading the 2022 Comrades Marathon all the way to Fields Hill. He has since grown in stature and this year was the runaway winner of the Two Oceans Marathon. Throw in Russian debutant Nikolay Volkov amongst many other Nedbank stars who will be in action, and the 2024 Comrades Marathon will be a treat for viewers watching at home on TV and for spectators along the route.

In the women’s race, South Africa’s Adele Broodryk leads the Nedbank running club challenge. Debuting in 2022, Broodryk finished 3rd and in last years race improved by one spot to not only finish 2nd, but run an amazing 5:56, to become the 3rd fastest female ever on the down run. Teammates Deanne Laubscher, Galaletsang Mekgoe and Slindile Chili will be looking to join Broodryk amongst the top 10 finishers on the day.

There is also an extraordinarily strong Nedbank running club international contingent coming down which will be led by Polish athlete Dominika Stelmach who is a multiple Comrades Marathon gold medallist. Ireland’s Caitriona Jennings finished on the podium at her debut Comrades up run in 2019 and will be looking for another repeat of that after a strong 7th place at this years Two Oceans Marathon. Running her first Comrades this year will be American Andrea Pomaranski who has been taking training advice from Bester. With a 2:31 marathon best and two sub 2:35 marathon finishers in 2024 already, Pomaranski looks to do something big on 9 June.

‘I worked intensively with Andrea and especially on her overall strength to make sure she can manage the uphill’s which will be complemented by her incredible speed as an Elite marathoner. What impressed me from her is that Andrea is listening and did do all the strength and cross training according to the program and reduced her total running mileage per week. I am expecting Andrea to be up there with the leaders on race day! ‘said Bester

“We have assembled the best possible team to date for this years Comrades and thanks to all of our sponsors, we have given all the athletes all they need in terms of preparations and camps, so all that is left now is the athletes to do their part and once again paint the streets green on 9 June,” said Bester.