The 2025 Comrades Marathon Expo officially opened on Wednesday, 4 June at the Durban Exhibition Centre, bringing with it a vibrant atmosphere of energy, excitement, and purpose as thousands of runners, families, and supporters gathered ahead of this year’s big race on Sunday, 8 June.
The Expo was officially opened by Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo, who warmly welcomed visitors from across South Africa and abroad during the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
“This year, we’re proud to host around 990 exhibitors, offering a vibrant and diverse experience for everyone attending,” said Ngcobo. “I encourage all our runners and visitors to stop by the charity organisation stands. These incredible initiatives are raising much-needed funds for causes that touch lives across the country.”
The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Chairperson Ngcobo alongside board members of the Comrades Marathon Association and representatives from official sponsor CELL C
Ngcobo was joined by fellow board members of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) and representatives from the event’s official sponsor, Cell C, for the ribbon-cutting—marking the start of what promises to be one of the most festive build-ups to race day.
The Comrades Expo runs from Wednesday to Saturday (4–7 June) and is free for the public to attend. The venue is abuzz with everything from world-class athletic gear and health supplements, to local crafts and nonprofit organisations sharing their missions. Over 50,000 people are expected to pass through the venue over the four days.
Among the six official Comrades Marathon charity partners this year are the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) and Community Chest, both of which were present at the Expo to share their work and rally support through their campaigns.
Charity Partners Inspire Supporters and Runners
Peter Butterworth, a board member at HACT, spoke with pride about their longstanding involvement:
“We’re thrilled to be one of the Amabeadiebeadie Charity Beneficiaries for 2025. This marks our eighth consecutive year as an official Comrades Marathon charity,” he said.
Butterworth explained that proceeds raised through the #RUN4HACT campaign directly support the organisation’s Othandweni (Place of Love)—a 24-bed in-patient hospice that provides compassionate care for adults and children facing late-stage cancer or AIDS.
“This year’s race holds extra excitement—and we’re ready! Every runner supporting #RUN4HACT helps us continue life-saving work for those who need it most,” he added.
Over at the Community Chest stand, Executive Director Gordon McDonald spoke passionately about their mission and fundraising efforts:
“We’re proud to be among the official charity partners of the 2025 Comrades Marathon. It’s an honour to support our superheroes who are running on behalf of Community Chest Durban and Pietermaritzburg.”
McDonald shared that funds raised will go toward early childhood development programmes, and the public has been eager to get involved.
“It’s been a fantastic response so far. People are generous, buying our official warm-up tops—we’re actually the only charity selling them at this year’s Expo,” he noted.
He also encouraged visitors to enter their raffle competition to win a brand-new Toyota Corolla Cross, with all proceeds going toward their community upliftment projects.
A Festive Spirit in the Air
The opening day of the Expo was full of colour, laughter, and community spirit. Guests arriving at the entrance of the Durban Exhibition Centre were greeted by a vibrant choir, creating a festive, proudly South African atmosphere. Children danced, supporters clapped along, and runners soaked up the celebratory mood as they browsed exhibitor stalls and collected their race packs.
The Comrades Marathon Expo continues through Saturday, giving athletes plenty of time to prepare, shop, and connect with causes that matter. As the countdown to Sunday’s Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban intensifies, the spirit of the Ultimate Human Race is already alive and well.
