New Comrades Marathon Chair eager to rebuild association’s image

The newly elected Comrades Marathon Association chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo says he’s excited about the expertise and skills that the new members of the board bring to the iconic race.

The new board is expected to rebuild the image of the association after it underwent a tumultuous time.

A few months ago, the association was rocked by boardroom squabbles, resignations, and allegations of racism and maladministration.

Ngcobo, who was re-elected as chairperson, was one of the four board members who stepped down amidst the turmoil. He says they are working hard to ensure that all is on track for a successful Comrades Marathon 2025. And he’s impressed with the high caliber of the board members.

“I have no doubt with that vast experience from the legal eagles, from people with marketing experience, people who’ve done race organising and so on…I’m confident that we have a board that is capable of taking this race and preserving it for another hundred years,” says Ngcobo.

The other new members are Mark Leathers, an attorney and expert in corporate governance, Willie Mtolo, a multiple gold medalist and former New York Marathon winner, Brenda Marolen, a human resources specialist, Carel Nolte an expert in charity fundraising, Rory Steyn, a security expert and Alan Gray, a retired electrical engineer.

Ngcobo says the board is close to implementing some resolutions taken by the membership at a special general meeting held earlier in the year. Such as the investigation into alleged corruption and the finalisation of an independent panel to appoint the race and operations manager.

Ngcobo described the 2024 race as one of the best, and the few weaknesses are being addressed. He said the new board was working on preparations for the centenary race in 2027.

“2025 is a dress rehearsal of the 2027 editions of the race. We got to put everything together for 2025 because it’s the last down run before the 100 running so we have got many things right in 2025 to ensure that we have in terms of our vision for 2027 will be smooth running.”

The race recently announced an increase in prize money taking it up to R7.6 million. And after entries were closed for Comrades 2025, when the entry cap of 23 000 was reached, the association opened entries for another one thousand runners, all positive developments which bode well for the future of the race.