New race director for Comrades

Cape Town - The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has appointed Rowyn James as its new race director, it said on Monday.

"The board is relieved that the race director position has been filled," CMA chairperson Macdonald Chitja said in a statement.

"Rowyn has all the qualities to be a very successful race director and we wish him well."

CMA general manager Chris Bruwer said the association was thrilled to welcome James to the "Comrades Marathon family".

"With Rowyn overseeing the 2014 'ultimate human race' (on June 1), we aim to give all participants an unbelievable race day experience and ensure the continuity and sustainability of this iconic brand that is the Comrades Marathon."

James was previously general manager and race director of the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town. He worked as the sports marketing manager of Nike South Africa and was a member of the Deloitte Pretoria Marathon organising committee for eight years.

He is a qualified Athletics SA level two official and has 15 Comrades Marathon medals.

James said he was honoured by the appointment

"[I] thank the CMA Board for the faith and trust they have placed in me, thereby enabling me to achieve my lifelong dream of being a part of the iconic Comrades Marathon Association.

"I have been fortunate and blessed to have finished 15 journeys of my own, so I can attest to the spirit of camaraderie that exists in the months leading up to race day and indeed on race day itself.

"It's an opportunity for each and every participant to 'make excellence happen'."