GEMS COMRADES DISADVANTAGED RUNNERS PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED FOR 2025
As part of its Runners First initiative, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is proud to announce the GEMS Comrades Disadvantaged Runners Programme for the 2025 Comrades Marathon, set to take place on June 8, 2025. This initiative, supported by the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), aims to provide support to disadvantaged runners, ensuring they can participate in The Ultimate Human Race.
The GEMS Comrades Disadvantaged Runners Programme offers a range of support services to eligible runners, including accommodation, meals, and transport. Up to 800 athletes will be provided with safe sleeping quarters with a comfortable mattress and blanket at the YMCA in Alan Paton Road, Pietermaritzburg, on the eve of the race (7 June 2025) and the night of the race (8 June 2025).
A nutritious dinner on race day eve, tea/coffee on race morning, and a hearty supper on the night of the race are also provided. Transportation to and from the race venue is also provided, although initial transport from the runner's residence to the disadvantaged runners' village and back will be at the runner's expense.
Applications open on Monday, 3 March 2025 and close on Friday, 16 May 2025, to allow for adequate planning and accommodation. To qualify for the programme, runners must be unemployed or earn less than R6000 per month. Applicants must submit a copy of their salary slip or an affidavit declaring their unemployment or earnings.
CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo expressed his enthusiasm about the programme, "We are committed to making the Comrades Marathon accessible to all runners, regardless of their financial situation. The GEMS Comrades Disadvantaged Runners Programme is a testament to our dedication to inclusivity and the spirit of the Comrades Marathon."
Runners interested in applying for the GEMS Comrades Disadvantaged Runners Programme should contact Xoliswa Mthembu at xoliswa@comrades.com for more details and to obtain the application form.
For more information, please visit the official Comrades Marathon website at www.comrades.com
