Durban enjoyed a vibrant weekend as the 99th Comrades Marathon and GAS Motorshow International brought thousands of participants, spectators, and visitors to the city.
Image: Supplied
Durban enjoyed a vibrant weekend as the 99th Comrades Marathon and GAS Motorshow International brought thousands of participants, spectators, and visitors to the city.
The eThekwini Municipality says both events reinforced Durban’s position as South Africa’s leading events destination, while generating notable economic activity across tourism, hospitality, and transport sectors.
The Comrades Marathon, which started in Durban and finished in Pietermaritzburg, attracted approximately 21,600 participants and an estimated 65,000 spectators. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and local tourism businesses reported increased activity throughout the race weekend.
At the same time, the GAS Motorshow International at Suncoast Casino drew large crowds, showcasing vehicles, drifting displays, automotive innovations, and family entertainment.
Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba welcomed the successful hosting of both events, saying they demonstrated Durban’s capacity to stage world-class gatherings that support tourism, local businesses, and economic growth.
He said the Comrades Marathon remained one of the city’s most valuable sporting events, attracting thousands of visitors and highlighting Durban’s hospitality and tourism offering.
EThekwini Municipality is celebrating another vibrant and successful weekend as Durban hosted two major international events, the 99th Comrades Marathon and the GAS Motorshow International.
Image: Supplied
To enhance the race-day experience, the municipality also hosted a Comrades Marathon Fan Park at Kings Park Athletics Stadium, where spectators gathered to watch live coverage and enjoy entertainment.
Following the marathon, municipal teams carried out a clean-up operation along the route from Durban City Hall to Cato Ridge, restoring affected areas and supporting environmental sustainability efforts.
A total of 13 tonnes of general waste was collected, while 28 tonnes of recyclable material—including plastic, paper, cardboard, and packaging waste—was diverted from landfill.
Metro Police confirmed that race day operations were well coordinated, with no by-law infringements or arrests recorded, and that roads were reopened promptly after the event.
The municipality thanked participants, organisers, sponsors, volunteers, staff, law enforcement agencies, and residents for contributing to the successful staging of both events.
IOL