Pietermaritzburg – A record of more than 22 000 participants braved the expected cold front to line up for the early morning start of this year’s Comrades Marathon.
The 49th Down Run Comrades Marathon, covering approximately 89km, began at 06:45 on Sunday morning at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishes at Durban’s People’s Park.
The SA Weather Services has warned of a “cut-off-low press system”, which was likely to trigger snowfall and heavy rainfall.
“Today, the safety of runners and motorists will be our priority,” assured KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma.
At least 449 police officers are participating in the race.
Forty-five staff members from the Gauteng Department of Health are running the marathon.
The spectacle at the start of the marathon attracted onlookers, including residents and a mascot.
