In the world of sport, few events cut across the grain of ordinary competition quite like the Comrades Marathon.
More pilgrimage than race, this 89-kilometre crucible from Pietermaritzburg to Durban is a test not only of muscle and mileage, but of spirit. It is here, on tar warmed by history and heart, that a new partnership takes its mark at the starting line.
World Sports Betting has officially joined the Comrades Marathon family, not as a spectator on the sidelines, but as the newly minted Official Sports Betting Partner—lacing up for a three-year stretch that begins in 2025 and sprints toward the race’s monumental 100th edition in 2027.
The alliance is more than ink on paper—it’s a synchronised stride between two institutions that understand endurance, spectacle, and the long game.
“World Sports Betting is extremely proud to sponsor this landmark event,” says Ryno Du Plessis, Chief Operating Officer at World Sports Betting.
“As a proudly South African brand, it’s important for us to align with local sporting events that not only showcase exceptional talent, but also reflect the rich spirit, diversity, and heritage of our vibrant country. We believe in backing platforms that unite communities, celebrate local excellence, and inspire the next generation of champions.”
Founded in 2002, World Sports Betting has been pacing the front lines of the country’s betting landscape for over two decades. Known for its quick, secure, and user-friendly experience, the platform has carved a niche among South African punters with tailored markets and a distinctly local flavour.
But this partnership isn’t about odds and outcomes—it’s about shared values. It’s about what happens when willpower outpaces weariness and a thousand solitary journeys converge into one unstoppable tide.
Much like the runners who hit “the wall” but push forward anyway, World Sports Betting’s presence will be felt deep in the race—around the 15km-to-go mark in Westville, a place where legs falter and doubt whispers. There, the company will stage a spirited route activation, transforming exhaustion into fuel and solitude into celebration.
In the marathon’s long narrative arc, this is a new chapter rich with potential.
“We are pleased to welcome World Sports Betting as the Official Sports Betting Partner to the Comrades Marathon,” says CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo.
“They will not only add immense value to our race-day activations, but their commitment to supporting iconic events aligns perfectly with the spirit of our ultramarathon. This partnership will undoubtedly enhance the experience for our runners and spectators alike, and we look forward to a successful collaboration that supports our athletes in achieving their goals!”
This isn’t just a sponsorship. It’s a cheer at the final incline. It’s a metaphorical water table when the sun is unforgiving and the finish line a mirage.
As the Comrades Marathon prepares to host its 98th run on June 8, 2025—its 49th Down Run—it welcomes not just a corporate partner, but a believer in what it means to go all in when the road gets hard.
For the thousands who will toe the start line and the millions who will follow their progress, this is more than a race. It’s a national heartbeat—and now, with World Sports Betting in step, the rhythm just got louder.
