BLOGPOST - THE ULTIMATE PRE-RACE EXPERIENCE: 2025 COMRADES MARATHON EXPO
The Comrades Marathon Expo is an essential part of the journey for all Comrades runners and supporters. Taking place from 5 to 7 June 2025, at the Durban Exhibition Centre, the expo is the perfect prelude to the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon. It's an event packed with excitement, inspiration, and essential preparations for race day.
It is more than just a race number collection point. It’s a bustling hub where thousands of runners and their supporters come together to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Comrades Marathon. With over 100 exhibitors, the expo provides an excellent opportunity to discover the latest in sports apparel, nutrition, fitness technology, and much more.
The Comrades Marathon Expo is the heartbeat of the pre-race excitement and the official registration point for athletes participating in the iconic Comrades Marathon. This vibrant three-day event serves as the central hub where runners from all over the world converge to complete their final steps before embarking on The Ultimate Human Race.
Official Registration: The majority of participating athletes attend the expo to complete their registration process, collect race numbers, receive essential race information, get their race packs, race numbers, goodie bag, race t-shirt, race cap and other goodies from sponsors.
Product Showcases and Demonstrations: Expect to find top brands showcasing their latest gear and technology. From running shoes to fitness gadgets, you can see, touch, and try out products that might give you that extra edge on race day. Many exhibitors also offer special expo discounts, so it's a great time to stock up on race essentials.
Interactive Talks: Gain valuable insights from experts in the field. The expo features a series of motivational sessions covering various topics such as race strategy, injury prevention, nutrition, and mental preparation. These sessions are conducted by the Comrades Coach, seasoned athletes, and medical professionals who share their knowledge to help you perform at your best.
Meet and Greet with Elite Runners and Legends: Get inspired by meeting some of the elite runners participating in the Comrades Marathon. Hear their stories, get autographs, and take photos with them. Their journeys can offer valuable lessons and motivation for your own race.
Nutritional Guidance: Discover the latest trends and products in sports nutrition. From energy gels to recovery drinks, nutrition experts are on hand to offer advice and samples. Learn how to fuel your body for optimal performance and recovery.
Cocktail Party: Join fellow exhibitors at the traditional Comrades cocktail party to network and grow your business. It's a great way to relax, share stories, and build camaraderie before the big day. The cocktail party is more than just a fun evening; it's a celebration of the collective spirit of the Comrades Marathon community.
Supporters and Families: The expo isn't just for runners; it's a family-friendly event with something for everyone. There are interactive displays, children are welcome, and there are plenty of food stalls offering a variety of delicious options. Supporters can also pick up Comrades Marathon merchandise from the Comrades memorabilia stand or an amazing range of technical footwear and apparel from the Mr Price Sport shop, to cheer on their runners in style.
Community Spirit: The expo is a place to connect with fellow runners, share stories, and soak in the camaraderie that defines the Comrades Marathon spirit.
Planning Your Visit
- Dates & Times:
5 June 2025: 10h00 – 19h00
6 June 2025: 09h00 – 19h00
7 June 2025: 09h00 – 16h00 - Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre
- Entry: Free for all visitors
Be sure to allocate enough time to explore the expo thoroughly. Arriving early can help you avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit. Remember to bring your race confirmation email and ID to collect your race number and goodie bag.
Here’s what some notable sponsors, runners, winners, legends and expo organisers have to say about the Comrades Expo:
Liezle Bothma of Conker Exhibitions says, “The Comrades Expo is a highlight of our annual event calendar. After months of planning and seeking new brands in the sporting arena, we take great pleasure in seeing a diverse array of exhibitors come together to create the ultimate pre-race atmosphere. Runners can look forward not only to engaging with their favourite brands but also to discovering and interacting with some of the new names in the market.”
Comrades International Brand Ambassador for Brazil, Nato Amaral says, “The Comrades Marathon Expo is one of the most outstanding expos I've attended anywhere in the world. It is a big exhibition - regardless of not being the biggest - and is definitely amongst the best. With a wide range of products and services, you can find apparel, footwear, accessories, nutrition, massage, food and beverages, just to mention a few. The highlight is definitely the Mr Price Sport stand, providing numerous items of official Comrades merchandise, from socks to jackets; it’s definitely the most coveted stand at the Expo. Moreover, at the Expo you can find and explore part of the history of The Ultimate Human Race, with photos, stories and curiosities of the race, decade by decade - it is really worth spending some time there and learning more about this iconic event. If you are in Durban from 5-7 June, the Comrades Expo is a must visit!”
Former runner, winner and CMA Chairperson, Cheryl Winn says, “The Comrades Experience (Expo) has been on the go, and ever improving, since 1983 when it was introduced as the first running (or for that matter sporting) expo in South Africa. It has since been emulated by other major events, but remains the premier sporting expo in South Africa and one of the most prestigious in the world. It has established itself as the meeting place and in fact the only place to be in the three days prior to the iconic Comrades Marathon, for anyone with any connection whatsoever to the sport of distance running. It serves as the main registration point for the 24,000 runners who have entered to participate in the 2025 Comrades Marathon but also attracts fans, friends, family, members of the running fraternity at large, as well as being open to the general public. The Comrades Expo features exhibitors focussing on healthy living, wellness, and fitness, sports nutrition, injury prevention, as well as the latest in shoes, equipment, fashion apparel and fitness technology. Scattered amongst the over 100 exhibitors are the Novice, Green Number and International Hospitality Areas, several photo and selfie stations and two highlights, not to be missed, are the Comrades History Gallery and the Amabeadibeadi CMA Official Charities Stands.”
Comrades runner and reporter, Matshelane Mamabolo says, "The success of the Comrades Marathon Expo is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Comrades team, sponsors, and the running community. We are thrilled to see the expo grow each year, attracting more exhibitors and visitors, and providing an incredible platform for everyone involved in the world of running. The Expo not only showcases the latest in running gear, technology, and nutrition but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and excitement leading up to race day. It's heartwarming to see runners from all over the world come together, share their stories, and support each other. The overwhelming positive feedback from participants and exhibitors alike reinforces the attraction of the Comrades Expo as a race week highlight."
CMA Marketing Committee Member, Kerwin Basson says, “What an energy! Having attended many of the Comrades Expos over the last few years, it just never ceases to amaze me that there is such an electric atmosphere. Apart from all the stands, products to test and experts on hand to give advice, guidance and support, there is just an aura of greatness when attending Africa's largest running expo. Everyone is excited, energy levels are high and the occasional nod of acknowledgment is smile-worthy. The halls are traversed by seasoned pro's, novices and everyone in between. The Comrades Expo is definitely not just an Expo, it's where Comrades enthusiasts meet before the epic journey takes place.”
Nine-time Comrades Winner, Bruce Fordyce says, “The Comrades Marathon is not just a race. It is a wonderful commemoration and a 4-day celebration of a unique South African festival. The Expo is an integral part of that celebration. It is a vital part of the whole experience. Every year, with great excitement I look forward to visiting the Expo. I enjoy exploring the stands, soaking up the pre-race atmosphere, and meeting many new and old friends. I wouldn’t miss the Comrades Expo for anything.”
Comrades Triple Green Number runner, Pat Freeman says, “After 31 plus years of distance running and many expo visits, both locally and internationally, in my opinion the Durban Comrades Expo rates as one of my best. What sets it apart is the display of its rich history, including being a vibrant, colourful melting pot of South African cultures and languages. Runners will experience our friendliness, laughter, humour and bubbling excitement for the challenge that lies ahead. Here one gets to feel the true rhythm of Africa, giving the runner a sample of what to expect on race day when the runners spontaneously start singing Shosholoza. The Comrades Expo is an unforgettable expo experience, a bucket list item which will be an everlasting memory.”
Exhibitors love the Comrades Expo, here’s some feedback from them:
The team at Pure Endurance says, “The Comrades Expo is one of our key marketing events each year, connecting to our core consumer and assisting them to reach their race goals. While it’s a good trade/retail show for us we also value connecting with the athletes and advising how best to use our product to get the best race experience. It’s definitely an expo that allows you to connect to a wide range of the South African fitness population.”
The team at Versus Socks says, “The Comrades Expo is a highlight of our year – an unbeatable platform to showcase our vibrant, high-performance socks to thousands of passionate runners. The Expo offers unmatched brand visibility, incredible sales opportunities, and the chance to connect directly with our community, hearing their feedback and sharing our story. It’s also the perfect stage to launch new designs and strengthen relationships with loyal fans. For us, it’s more than an event – it’s where our passion for performance, innovation, and the running community truly comes to life. See you at the 2025 Comrades Expo!”
Billy Harker of Funky Pants says, “The Comrades Marathon is the Holy Grail of road running in South Africa. Runners commit months of hard training to arrive at the start line. When runners have done the hard yards and arrive at the Comrades Expo, they feel that they have earned the right to spoil themselves. Exhibitors can be assured that runners will enjoy a seamless registration process before unleashing their credit cards to spoil themselves. The Comrades Expo is well organised and we love it.”
Delaine Cools is the Marketing & Communications Manager of the Comrades Marathon and project manager of the Comrades Expo.
