Durban - The coffers in KwaZulu-Natal is set to receive a massive cash injection as the province hosts the Comrades Marathon for the 86th time.
This year, 19 523 runners, including those from all over the globe, will compete in the ultra marathon.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) released results of a comprehensive economic impact study, which projected that almost R300 million will be brought into KwaZulu-Natal over the next few weeks.
This total will be a combination of accommodation, food, travel, entertainment and other expenditure.
According to CMA General Manager, Gary Boshoff, 70 percent of the participants originate outside KwaZulu-Natal.
"This illustrates the important impact that the Comrades Marathon has on the tourism industry of KZN, but more importantly, the potential of future growth in this sector of the local economy", said Boshoff.
The study was conducted by research company, Repucom International, as part of the 85th anniversary of the Comrades Marathon in 2010.
The detailed study incorporated the direct spend of the Comrades Marathon Association as well as the various sponsors and partners that invest millions into the race.
"The 2010 economic impact study of the Comrades Marathon revealed that R286 million was pumped into the KZN economy as a direct result of the Comrades Marathon being staged in KwaZulu-Natal. It therefore makes perfect economic and political sense for business and government to continue to support this magnificent event", said Etienne Karsten, vice-president of Repucom SA.
Boshoff added that local participants (South Africans from outside KZN) stayed an average of five days, while international participants tend to stay longer, on average 8.3 days in 2010.
The CMA is working very closely with the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban, as well as Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, to ensure that the Comrades Marathon remains one of the world's prime sports events.
"In recent years, we've stepped up our international marketing drive through the assistance of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal in particular. The number of international entrants has more than doubled over the last three years: from 604 in 2009 to 1 226 in 2011. This year, we have international athletes from 59 countries around the globe, a fantastic achievement indeed", said Boshoff.
Tourism KZN spokesperson Lihle Dlamini said the Comrades has helped put KwaZulu-Natal and the country on the world stage because runners from all over the globe want to take part in the marathon.
"People who take part in the race come to KwaZulu-Natal with their friends and family. Therefore there is exposure to different parts of the province and tourism. When they go home, KZN is then promoted through word-of-mouth," said Dlamini.
