Old Mutual ups the entertainment at 2016 Comrades
An exciting agenda of activities is lined up for runners and supporters at the 2016 Comrades Marathon Expo and during the race itself.
As one of the major sponsors of the Comrades Marathon, Old Mutual has planned a great and memorable event. For example, Comrades watchers can expect a real endurance extravaganza at the 34km mark: a new supporter zone at Inchanga will re-energise runners, while a kids’ zone, big screen TV and various live entertainment acts will add to the fun of the day.
“It’s such a big day, and we’ve gone all out this year to make the experience even more special,” says Karen Thomas, Old Mutual Head of Brand. “The crowd support at the Comrades Marathon is always exceptional, so we are looking forward to adding to the already great atmosphere of the race.”
Returning to the Expo will be the real life version of the Old Mutual Virtual Coach, Norrie Williamson, as well as the hugely popular Oculus Rift virtual reality experience.
The immensely knowledgeable Williamson will be on hand at the Old Mutual stand to answer all your running questions and offer valuable last-minute advice, whether you’re a nervous novice or an experienced athlete.
At the stand you’ll also find Oculus Rift, the leading technology in three-dimensional immersive video. At last year’s Comrades and previous Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathons, ‘the Rift’ wowed runners with video technology that puts you on the route ahead of race day.
A headset uses custom tracking technology to provide 360° head tracking, allowing users to seamlessly look around a virtual world – just as you would in real life.
Every subtle movement of your head is tracked in real time to create a natural and intuitive experience. Old Mutual has filmed Bruce Fordyce on key segments of the Comrades Marathon route, so when you put on the Oculus Rift headset, Fordyce will appear and guide you through the most demanding stretches of the 89km run. Just remember to stand still, because the temptation to chase after the nine-time winner is real.
At the Expo, runners will also be able to meet the team from the Wildlands Conservation Trust and the Old Mutual Wild Series.
The Old Mutual Wild Series is a collection of endurance events that enables participants to contribute to the conservation of South Africa’s natural heritage, while experiencing breathtakingly wild and rugged parts of the country, including the natural habitat of several endangered species. You can learn more about the Wild Series events at the Expo.
Another popular innovation at the Comrades Marathon and the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon has been OM Live Digital Radio.
This slickly produced, professionally operated digital radio station broadcasts relevant race info, interviews and updates at the Expo and at the finish. You can also listen anywhere in the world by simply visiting dogreatthings.co.za or downloading the Old Mutual app to your phone.
The Comrades Expo:
Thursday, 26th May Expo 09:00 – 19:00
Friday, 27th May Expo 09:00 – 19:00
Saturday, 28th May Expo 09:00 – 17:00
JOIN US AT THE OLD MUTUAL SUPPORTER ZONE AT COMRADES
Old Mutual has set their sights on making the 91st edition of the Comrades Marathon the most memorable yet. To do this, we’ve created the Old Mutual Spectator Zone.
This specially designated area is 34km from the start – at Inchanga – and will be open from 7am to 11am on Sunday, 29 May 2016. Entry is free and easy access can be gained from the N3 highway (from the Hammersdale off-ramp).
To keep runners and spectators alike entertained, the Supporter Zone will show live coverage of the race on a big screen – so you’ll be able to see the winners cross the line. Seating and shaded areas will be provided, as will free and secure parking, food stalls and toilet facilities, while numerous live acts and shows will give runners a boost when they need it most.
Don your supporter outfit, bring your deck chairs and your picnic baskets and watch the 2016 Comrades Marathon in style.
Use the hashtag #Comrades2016 to join the conversation.
The Comrades Marathon:
The Comrades Marathon race will be run on Sunday, 29 May 2016 starting at 05h30 and finishing at 17h30. The race is run from “gun to gun”.
The Comrades Marathon is the world’s oldest and largest ultra marathon run over a distance of approximately 90 km (56.1 miles) between the capital of the Kwazulu-Natal Province of South Africa, Pietermaritzburg, and the coastal city of Durban.
