Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) chairperson Dave Dixon on Tuesday announced the appointment of Renee Smith to the position of race manager, with effect from May 3.
Previously employed as the general manager of Johannesburg-based Cycle Events, Renee brings with her a wealth of experience in race coordination, marketing and online event management.
She will start her duties alongside acting CEO Cheryl Winn, with just six weeks to go until the 80th running of the Comrades Marathon on June 16.
”It is certainly a matter of being thrown in the deep end,” said Winn, with reference to Smith’s starting date coinciding with the closing date for 2005 entries.
”However, Renee comes highly regarded in cycling circles and is clearly accustomed to working in a deadline-oriented environment. With her credentials and experience, we are confident that she will quickly adapt to the new environment and make a very meaningful contribution to the race.”
Smith is looking forward to the new challenge.
”The Comrades Marathon has always been close to my heart and it is a privilege to be involved with the world’s greatest ultra-marathon,” she said. ”I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead, as well as working with the chairperson, Dave Dixon, Cheryl and the team.”
The organisers are bracing themselves for a last-minute rush of entries over the next week, and have issued an urgent reminder about the closing date, which is May 3.
Entries must be either postmarked or hand-delivered to the CMA’s offices by May 3. Runners may also enter online at www.comrades.com.
”Our office in Pietermaritzburg will be open to accept entries on both public holidays — Freedom Day, April 27, and Workers Day, May 1.
”The CMA personnel will also accept entries from the ticket office at Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead, on the corner of NMR Avenue and Old Fort Road in Durban on the closing day, Tuesday May 3,” confirmed Winn.
”Runners may also hand in their entry forms at either one of the two branches of the Sweatshop in Gauteng [Dunkeld Shopping Centre and Fourways Crossing] and at any one of the 20 branches of Sportsmans Warehouse countrywide.
”The 2005 Comrades Marathon is going to be a particularly spectacular event and our aim is to assist runners in whatever way we can to be part of it. Anyone with a query or problem should contact our office on (033) 897 8650 or [email protected],” said Winn. — Sapa