Mumbai marathoner Satish Gujaran seeks more international slots for 2027 Comrades Marathon

Mumbai marathoner Satish Gujaran has emailed the Comrades Marathon Association CMA the Honourable Consul General of South Africa in India HisHer Excellency the High Commissioner of South Africa to India and the Consulate General Indian Consulate Durban South Africa on October 2 requesting those in charge to add more running slots for the Comrades Ultra marathon to be run in South Africa on June 13 2027 An ultramarathon is any race which is above the traditional 42km distancepopcorn numberMay 24 1921 descDay when the first Comrades Marathon took place classDefaultThe historyGujaran receiving the prestigious green numberThe Comrades Marathon is an ultramarathon of approximately 88 kilometres which is run annually in the KwaZuluNatal province of South Africa between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg It is the worlds largest most prestigious and oldest ultramarathon race The Comrades Marathon was first held on May 24 1921Gujarans email begins by reminding the addressees that the 100th Comrades ultramarathon will be held in 2027 It explained ldquoFor this centenary entries have been capped at 28000 and there are no reserved allocations for international runners As a result many runners from India and around the world will miss out on this racerdquoRising numbersGujaran pushes for more running slots in the ultimate ultraCurrently 586 Indians have got running places India has been fielding a large number of runners in the race especially in the past few years In 2023 the country had the largestever international participation for the Ultimate Human Race with 403 runners including 40 women for the June 11 run at that time The numbers have grown since thenThe pinnacleGujaran who is a Powai resident said via communication In 2027 the Comrades Marathon will celebrate its 100th edition Every runner who has ever dreamed of the Ultimate Human Race dreams of being on that start line Coming to India specifically Gujaran said in his communication Indian participation began in 2009 and what began as a handful of runners has grown into a movement Today for an Indian ultra runner finishing Comrades is the pinnacle of a running lifeGreen sceneWho better than Gujaran to know about Comrades as he has run Comrades for 15 consecutive years since 2010 He said ldquoI hold green number 29384 and I was honoured with the GEMS Spirit of Comrades Award in 2023rdquo A green number in the Comrades ultramarathon is a prestigious permanent race number awarded to a runner who has completed 10 Comrades ultras That bib number is unique and cannot be awarded to anybody elseHe added Since the centenary was announced the Indian running community has prepared with great dedication Our goal was to bring 1000 registrations from India one of the largest contingents in Comrades history The Rand has strengthened considerably At the registration fee of 4500 approx 26000 the cost is substantial for Indian runners though that has not dimmed spirit or enthusiasmOur disappointmentGujaran said ldquoIt was a great setback when the announcement came that registrations would be limited to 28000 with many international runners hoping for at least some preferential or reserved allocation for those travelling from abroadrdquoThe window of hope is open The Comrades Marathon Team has reverted to Gujaran stating ldquoA request for support has been createdrdquo Indian runners are hoping that with lsquoGreen Gujaranrsquosrsquo push June 13 proves to be a lucky day for themThe economicsInternational runners book flights hotels transport food and tours and they travel across the country often with their families Their stay is not just relegated to race day A strong international presence at the centenary would bring significant tourism and revenue to South Africa and share its hospitality with the world