Comrades 2017

lowrez · May 2017

Hotels
Belaire Suites - Terry48, Running Rodent, Odeon1085, caashford, matt brooker, Bike It, Debra Bourne, Mr Zuvai (till Fri), Dannirr
Hilton - seren nos, lambkin, lowrez, AndyLid
City Lodge - Becca7, Southern Snail, marty74, Slow Duck, Matt..
Elangeni & Maharani - Mango-Chillie
Out at Uhmlanga – Mac3, jkissane

Flights
Air France - Terry48, lowrez(arr.Fri13:15), AndyLid
Emirates - Becca7, Mr Zuvai, Debra Bourne(arr.Thu16:25.depMon), Running Rodent, Southern Snail, caashford(arr.Thu16:25.depTue)
South African - marty74
BA - Mango-Chillie(Dep.May31), seren nos (arr.Thu.am), Slow Duck
Lufthansa – Mac3(Arr.Thu.late morning)

15:00 Thursday International Comrades Ambassadors group run from the Hilton
Mr Zuvai

Early Evening Thursday International Comrades Ambassadors Reception at the Hilton around £15 for entry paid at the door - free nibbles - cash bar - usually attended by former winners of the race - Bruce Fordyce is usually one of the guests
Mr Zuvai, Slow duck
07:30 Friday Bus Tour starring the legendary

Running Rodent, Dannirr, marty74
08:45 Friday Bus Tour - seren nos+Mr sn, Mr Zuvai, Southern Snail, Mango-Chillie

18:45 Friday Spiga - Mac3+1, Southern Snail+1, seren nos+1, Debra Bourne

07:30 Saturday Bus Tour – lowrez

08:00 Saturday North Beach

and Mugg & Bean afterwards
Debra Bourne, caashford, Southern Snail+Mr SS, Becca7, Matt.., Dannirr, seren nos+Mr sn, Running Rodent, marty74+friend, matt brooker, Terry48, Mr Zuvai, Mango-Chillie, Mac3, Slow Duck, AndyLid+daughter, jkissane

05:30 Sunday Comrades
PenA - WarrenK78, caashford, Odeon1085
PenB - Matt.., Mac3, marty74, Peter R, AndyLid, jkissane
PenC - becca7, lowrez, Southern Snail, seren nos, Mr Zuvai
PenD - Debra Bourne, Mango-Chillie
PenG - Mango-Chillie, Slow Duck, Running Rodent

09:00 Monday Mugg & Bean Breakfast
Just turn up from 09:00 onwards; nothing overly formal it’s a café with a wonderful menu with a heap of UKish Comrades runners descending upon it wearing their UK T-Shirts or the Comrades goody bag one or indeed anything they damn well please, group photo around 11:00 then go for a stroll on the beach front; it’ll be good for your legs, even splash your toes in the Indian Ocean. Bruce’s after party at 12:30 is easily walkable or just hang at Mugg & Bean etc…
caashford, Debra Bourne, Becca7, lowrez, matt brooker, Slow Duck, Southern Snail, seren nos 12:30 Monday Bruce Fordyce After Party
California Dreaming Restaurant, 150 O. R Tambo Parade, Dairy Beach, Durban,

12:30 till 17:00 R550 per person. A celebratory conclusion of the race relaxing with athletes, family, friends and personalities sharing race highlights trials and tribulations. Live entertainment, buffet lunch, cash bar
caashford, Mac3

seren nos · May 2017

Panic... how do i attach the patches to my clothing.... is there a peel back sticky label or do i have to sew it

Running Rodent · May 2017

Seren - I think they're iron-on, but I might sew mine to my rucksack.

Southern Snail · May 2017

That's a good idea. Was wondering where to put it. Might put one on my running shorts too

justanothrrnr · May 2017

Hello All, just wanted to drop in and wish everyone the very best of luck for Comrades this year! I'm immensely envious of every one of you running the 'up' this year and I can't wait to join the fun again next year.

Debra - well done for making it Comrades after such a horrible 2016.

Rooting for you all from afar, hope the run goes well and the conditions are
kind.

Jon

seren nos · May 2017

Do I just iron it as it is and it melts on...

lowrez · May 2017

1. Garment should be clean and freshly laundered (including new items).

2. Set iron to "COTTON", 40°C, for five minutes.

3. Thoroughly iron area of garment where patch will be placed.

4. Place patch on garment, embroidery facing up.

5. Place cloth or light towel over patch and using a slow circular motion, press firmly for 30 seconds.

6. Turn garment inside out, and iron the back of the patch for 30 seconds.

7. Let cool for one minute. If edge of patch can be lifted, repeat step 6.

Permanence of application guaranteed by sewing.

Do NOT use on un-ironable fabrics (low melting point) such as nylons, vinyls or leathers.

Do NOT bleach.

*The iron-on glue needs to cool before you finally test how successful the application is.*

Becca7 · May 2017

Great to hear from you Jon. Hopefully you will see some of us in 2018.

seren nos · May 2017

Thanks Lowrez.I havent used an iron for years and think that most of my clothes are non ironable material so will pack a needle and cotton to do a little light sewing.( havent sewed in donkey years either )

lowrez · May 2017

I will be getting my needle and thread out too seren

I have ironed a patch from last year onto a cotton cap but it ultimately detached, I suppose the curvature was a bit of a challenge for the glue

. If you wanted a short cut I can reserve you and your worse half a black t-shirt each, as long as the sizes left match up, the charity donation is optional; I got them as a bit of an experiment to see how the transfer printing process compared to the embroidery; I am not the world's best with a needle

I had to get a sewing kit from reception last year for in-visit repairs.

lowrez · May 2017

JAR - wonderful to hear from you - how is the year without Comrades going for you? Are you keeping fit or have you hit the pies and tequila?

Cybele · May 2017

Shark Safari and Microlighting- 31 May and 05 June 31 May -2 spots available
05 June-3 spots available
02 June- 3 Spots, Culutural Tour Ghandi Settlement, Valley of A thousand Hills, and 2.5 game drive
Fully booked02+04 June
Contact: cybeletours@gmail foralternative dates and bookings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKafT0HHn0w

lowrez · May 2017

Now with enhanced Thursday detail...

Hotels
Belaire Suites - Terry48, Running Rodent, Odeon1085, caashford, matt brooker, Bike It, Debra Bourne, Mr Zuvai (till Fri), Dannirr
Hilton - seren nos, lambkin, lowrez, AndyLid
City Lodge - Becca7, Southern Snail, marty74, Slow Duck, Matt..
Elangeni & Maharani - Mango-Chillie
Out at Uhmlanga – Mac3, jkissane

Flights
Air France - Terry48, lowrez(arr.Fri13:15), AndyLid
Emirates - Becca7, Mr Zuvai, Debra Bourne(arr.Thu16:25.depMon), Running Rodent, Southern Snail, caashford(arr.Thu16:25.depTue)
South African - marty74
BA - Mango-Chillie(Dep.May31), seren nos (arr.Thu.am), Slow Duck
Lufthansa – Mac3(Arr.Thu.late morning)

14:30 Thursday International Comrades Ambassadors Shakedown Run start/finish: the courtyard immediately behind the Durban Hilton, distance: 4km to 7km
Mr Zuvai

17:30 Thursday International Runners Meet and Greet (with Bruce Fordyce and other revered Comrades Greats)
Venue: Rainbow Terrace, at the Durban Hilton Hotel. Cost: R200 at the door, finger food included, buy your own drinks. Finishes at 20:00
Mr Zuvai, Slow duck
07:30 Friday Bus Tour starring the legendary Running Rodent, Dannirr, marty74
08:45 Friday Bus Tour - seren nos+Mr sn, Mr Zuvai, Southern Snail, Mango-Chillie

18:45 Friday Spiga - Mac3+1, Southern Snail+1, seren nos+1, Debra Bourne, caashford

07:30 Saturday Bus Tour – lowrez

08:00 Saturday North Beach and Mugg & Bean afterwards
Debra Bourne, caashford, Southern Snail+Mr SS, Becca7, Matt.., Dannirr, seren nos+Mr sn, Running Rodent, marty74+friend, matt brooker, Terry48, Mr Zuvai, Mango-Chillie, Mac3, Slow Duck, AndyLid+daughter, jkissane

05:30 Sunday Comrades
PenA - WarrenK78, caashford, Odeon1085
PenB - Matt.., Mac3, marty74, Peter R, AndyLid, jkissane
PenC - becca7, lowrez, Southern Snail, seren nos, Mr Zuvai
PenD - Debra Bourne, Mango-Chillie
PenG - Mango-Chillie, Slow Duck, Running Rodent

09:30 Monday Mugg & Bean Breakfast Bash
Just turn up from 09:30 onwards; nothing overly formal it’s a café with a wonderful menu with a heap of UKish Comrades runners descending upon it wearing their UK T-Shirts or the Comrades goody bag one or indeed anything they damn well please, group photo around 11:00 then go for a stroll on the beach front; it’ll be good for your legs, even splash your toes in the Indian Ocean. Bruce’s after party at 12:30 is easily walkable or just hang at Mugg & Bean etc…
caashford, Debra Bourne, Becca7, lowrez, matt brooker, Slow Duck, Southern Snail, seren nos

12:30 Monday Bruce Fordyce After Party
California Dreaming Restaurant, 150 O. R Tambo Parade, Dairy Beach, Durban,

12:30 till 17:00 R550 per person. A celebratory conclusion of the race relaxing with athletes, family, friends and personalities sharing race highlights trials and tribulations. Live entertainment, buffet lunch, cash bar
caashford, Mac3

lowrez · May 2017

WILDLANDS CLOTHES FOR LIFE

Clear your cupboards and make a positive difference to someone’s life. 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!

Drop off your pre-loved clothing at the Comrades Expo in Durban and at Comrades Registration in Pietermaritzburg between 1 and 3 June 2017.

Durban Exhibition Centre (DBN): At the Wildlands Charity Stand & Amabeadibeadi Charities Stand

Comrades House (PMB): At the Wildlands Charity Stand

lowrez · May 2017

lowrez · May 2017

REGISTRATION

1. Registration Venues

There are two Registration Venues.

In Durban. At the Comrades Expo in the Durban Exhibition Centre (across the road from the Hilton Hotel). International Athletes have their own designated registration area.
In Pietermaritzburg. At Comrades Marathon House. International Athletes will register at the Green Number Club. Follow the signposts to the Green Number Club registration area.

Please check your registration venue on your confirmation details. You can only collect your race numbers from your chosen venue.

When registering in Durban, if you are also a Green Number Club athlete / Charity Athlete and an international athlete, your race numbers will be at international registration, not the Green Number Club / Charities registration.

At Registration you will receive:

2 X Race Numbers (Printed on a blue background to indicate International Athlete)
1 X Goodie Bag
1 X ChampionChip timing chip (if you have ordered it)
2 X International Athlete Accreditation wristbands
2 X Meal and Drink Voucher for use in the International Hospitality Tent at the finish
1 X International tog bag stickers
1 X Official Race Brochure, which includes all pertinent information about the Race
1 X Comrades Marathon 2017 T-Shirt

lowrez · May 2017

AT THE EXPO

In Durban, there will be a designated International Athlete Hospitality Area, which will serve complimentary tea/coffee and selected soft drinks.
Bus tickets will be on sale for athletes who require transport from Pietermaritzburg back to Durban after the race. Tickets can be purchased at a separate stand at the Comrades Expo.

lowrez · May 2017

ON RACE DAY

Branding

Guidelines for the permissible size of Logo’s and Branding are:

Hat/Cap: may not exceed 4cm (length) X 4cm (height)

Vest/Shirt: may not exceed 11cm (length) X 4cm (height)

Age Category Tags

If you think you may be in contention for either first, second or third place prize in your age category, an Age Category Tag must be clearly visible on the front and back of your vest/shirt. Age Category Tags can be purchased at International Registration. Please enquire if you require one.

Age Category Tags are not compulsory and are not required if you do not consider yourself capable of finishing in the first three positions in your Age Category.

International Clearance

If you think you may be in contention for any of first, second or third place in your age category, you are required to submit an International Clearance Certificate issued by your Home Athletics Federation indicating that you are eligible to compete for any prize/s for which you may qualify.

If you have an International Clearance Certificate, please hand it in at International registration, when you receive your race numbers or alternatively e-mail it to info@comrades.com as soon as you get it.

MORNING OF RACE DAY

Tog Bag Drop-Off/Collection

If you require your tog bag to be taken to the Finish Venue in Pietermaritzburg, attach your International Tog Bag Sticker to your tog bag. Hand your tog bag in at any of the NORMAL Biddulphs Drop-off points, either on Saturday afternoon at the Comrades Expo or on Race morning at the back of the Start (the areas will be signposted). The Drop-off points will receive tog bags from both International and Local Athletes.

Your tog bag will be available for collection IN the International Hospitality Tent at the finish.

PLEASE NOTE:

YOU NEED YOUR INTERNATIONAL ATHLETE ACCREDITATION WRISTBAND TO OBTAIN ACCESS TO THE INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY TENT AT THE FINISH, SO PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE IT IN YOUR TOG BAG AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN ACCESS INTO THE TENT TO GET YOUR TOG BAG AND ACCREDITATION.

WE SUGGEST YOU RUN WITH THE INTERNATIONAL WRISTBAND ON.

ENJOY YOUR RUN

Mr Zuvai · May 2017

safe flight seren - looking forward to catching up in Durban

lowrez · May 2017

AT THE FINISH

There will be an International Hospitality Tent (the Tent) at the Finish Venue; 'The Home of the Golden Horse Casino: The Scottsville Racecourse', in Pietermaritzburg. A map of the Finish Venue will be included in your Official Race Brochure. Please familiarise yourself with the location of the Tent.

Access to the Tent is strictly by the International Athlete Accreditation wristband that you received at Registration. One band is for your access and the second band for ONE of your supporter’s access, to the Tent. This measure is due to space and food constraints, as well as to ensure your comfort after the Race. THEREFORE, PLEASE WEAR YOUR INTERNATIONAL TENT WRISTBAND DURING THE RACE.

You will not be able to gain access via your blue International Race Number.

We realise that many of you will have more than one supporter wanting to congratulate you at the finish and we are happy to accommodate them in the Tent. However, for them to gain access, you will need to purchase an International Athlete Accreditation wristband for each additional supporter. These can be purchased at International Registration at R250 per wristband. They WILL NOT be on sale at the Tent on Race Day and need to be acquired beforehand.
The Tent will open at 10H00 and will close at 18H30; an hour after the Race ends. It is the best venue as a meeting point for supporters after you have finished.
A packed meal and refreshments will be served in the Tent throughout the day, on production of the Meal and Drink Voucher you received at Registration. Please ensure you have your vouchers available in the Tent.
If you have purchased additional International Athlete Accreditation wristbands for your supporters, they will also receive a packed meal and Drink voucher for use in the Tent.
No food or drink will be on sale in the Tent. If you or your supporters require additional food or drink, it can be purchased from numerous vendors at the Finish Venue and be brought into the Tent.

Mac3 · May 2017

Debra - you are welcome to join (Friday). With my co-driver/navigator (Cristina! - you met her last year) my idea was to drop by the Ethembeni School en route. I contacted them to find out the time to arrive, the later time is 11:40. I thought to stop at Arthur's Seat to pay our respects. I'm open as to whether to visit Comrades House again. I'm not sure on time to leave yet but I can come by Belaire at say 10:15. 1'll check that time against the route. I do have space for another if there is someone not on the tour and at a loose end - if that's possible! I just want to add for any Newbies that the tour is excellent and you'll get great advice from the Ambassadors and the chance to chat to fellow international runners.

JAR - thanks for message, nice to hear from you. Hope all well and that we may all be around for the 2018 Down, have I signed up already!

Lowrez - wouldn't that be something at the half way aid station for a pie and tequilla, salt and lemon of course. Or maybe a pie/pint might be more refreshing :-)

Debra Bourne · May 2017

Mac3, that sounds fine - thank you; let me know if the time changes. N.B. coach tours are full now.

JAR: good to hear from you. Definitely planning on joining you for the down run 2018.

lowrez · May 2017

Mac, at around that point last year I was approaching a support point, a bloke was braiing right next to it and his table was so close it formed a seamless surface with the support table, as I put out my hand to pick up the very first cup of coke he slid a bottle of beer into my hand! It was so funny... I had to reluctantly switch to coke though

Debra Bourne · May 2017

So, what IS available at the official support points? As a vegetarian, I can eat salted potatoes if offered en route, but possibly nothing else? I'm thinking I will need to wear a sizeable waist pouch, carry my own Kendal mint cake and home-made energy balls as well as electrolytes (Elete - I have a nice little 25ml bottle for carrying while running). Also gives me somewhere to carry tiny torch, tissues and (if not wearing) sunglasses, blister plasters (in case), single-use pouch of sun cream.

Running Rodent · May 2017

Debra - yes, definitely potatoes available. Both times I've done it I haven't been able to stomach anything but bananas, Coke, and the luminous coloured sports drink they hand out (I wouldn't normally go near an untested sports drink in a race but that really hit the spot). I've seen crisps and pretzels which should be OK for veggies, and sandwiches, which might be. There's also a sports bar of some sort from the sponsors, you should be able to check at the Expo what's in it.

Of course, you can always take the Slow Duck approach and pop into McDonalds for a poke of chips...

lowrez · May 2017

Personally it is so hot that I have very little appetite. I eat very little, just nibbles of things. I think your gut closes down too doesn't it when you are under duress? By far the main energy source for me all day is coke. I enjoy the orange slices too and a bit of banana, I normally spit the potatoes out after taking all the salt. Other things I recall from last year were the odd random cracker and individually wrapped pieces of chocolate that are ridiculously difficult to crack open and fly out of the wrapping because of the amount of force you have to apply to get them out. I think the fluorescent stuff is crème soda! I do have a good breakfast to fuel the day at the hotel

Mr Zuvai · May 2017

I can't wait for the creme soda - a real throw back to my childhood

Luminous green - lovely stuff

lowrez · May 2017

See My Vest - Been looking for something suitably wafer thin and close to World Vision colours for months - finally Mizuno deliver!

Mac3 · May 2017

Matching shorts Lowrez? I'd been tempted to take a mouthful or two of the beer...funny though. It goes to show the fantastic support and humour you encounter along the way.

Mac3 · May 2017

Spiga list updated to include Terry48:

18:45 Friday Spiga - Mac3+1, Southern Snail+1, seren nos+1, Debra Bourne, caashford, Terry48 (+2 possibles)

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