Comrades Marathon provides R600 million boost for KwaZulu-Natal economy

IOL News

10-06-2025

Durban to host Bafana Bafana? Durban's Mose Mabhida Stadium has been the venue that hosts some of the city's big sporting events, and generating huge revenue.
Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media
The start of the Comrades Marathon, that attracted thousands of athletes and spectators, began the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg and finished at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Image: Supplied
THE KwaZulu-Natal economy received a boost of over R600 million, all spinning off Sunday's running of the 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon, which was said to have attracted around 20 000 runners.
Much of that spend would have landed in Durban coffers as this year's Comrades 'down run' finished at city's Moses Mabhida Stadium.
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It has been good recent goings for Durban in terms of earning from big events.
Media reports have indicated that the Africa Travel Indaba netted the city around R570 million, and the Nedbank Cup final between Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, also in May, scored revenue of nearly R100 million for Durban.
Last week's Isuzu Ironman 70.3 Durban event and the shoals of sardines that beached on the city's shores, attractions in their own right, would have also produced some nice nibbles for the local economy.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July race day is a big drawcard event for the city.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/African News Agency(ANA)
Currently, Gold Circle's Champions Season, which attracts some of the country's top thoroughbred horses to racing events, is in full gallop.
The Champion Seasons' main offering, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, a horserace that always produces a massive injection of earnings for local hospitality and tourism operators, as well as other related industries, is scheduled for July 5.
Rosemary Anderson, chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa, said the current financial boom for Durban underlined what a powerhouse sports tourism has become globally.
'UN Tourism reports it accounts for about 10 % of all tourism spending, while market analysis shows the sector was valued at over USD 680 billion in 2023 and is on track to double by 2030.
'This demonstrates just how high‑impact sports events can be – not only do they inject immediate revenue, but they also elevate a destination's global profile, create jobs, and lay the groundwork for repeat visitation,'
Anderson also appreciated the impact the Comrades had on local businesses.
'Durban and KwaZulu‑Natal have enjoyed a good tourism and hospitality boost, and organisers estimate the event injected over R600 million into the local economy, which supported at least 1 800 jobs across hospitality, transport, and event services .
'This isn't just about the race day; fully booked hotels in Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Umhlanga, extended stays by supporters and families, pre‑ and post‑race tourism, and packed restaurants and attractions have created a vibrant ripple effect.'
As the Hollywoodbets Durban July was on the horizon, Anderson said it was on track to provide another golden opportunity for a grand pay day– and the city should seize it.
'Events like the July have the potential to further amplify tourism, luring domestic and international visitors, filling accommodation, energising the restaurant and retail sectors, and boosting brand Durban on the world stage.
'The more we host quality sporting events, the more we unlock value for our tourism and hospitality industry – and in South Africa, that's a strategy worth pursuing aggressively.
'As FEDHASA - we hope that the Dept of Sports, Arts and Culture – will work towards dramatically increasing the number of international sporting events held in SA, " Anderson appealed.
The eThekwini Municipality's mayor, Cyril Xaba, said hosting the Comrades continues to position Durban as a most preferred sporting destination.
'eThekwini is proud to host this global event, and roll-out the red carpet for runners and spectators. We always do our best in ensuring that our visitors' stay is an unforgettable one, to affirm Durban as a destination of choice for major events.
''Hosting such major international events brings us much joy, as it is a strong indication that we are among other international cities known for successfully delivering memorable sporting events. We will continue to leverage on such events as they boost the local economy and drive tourism,' said Xaba.
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