Comrades Marathon official down run distance and new finish venue
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) announced on Thursday that the route distance for the 98th edition of the Ultimate Human Race will be 89.98km, slightly longer than the 87.701km of the previous down run in 2023.
The Comrades Marathon 2025 will feature first-ever two-wave start for a smoother race experience.
Image: Supplied
THIS year's running of the iconic Comrades Marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban will be a challenging 89.98km and with a new street finish outside People's Park.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) announced on Thursday that the route distance for the 98th edition of the Ultimate Human Race will be 89.98km, slightly longer than the 87.701km of the previous down run in 2023.
The longest down run in the history of the Comrades was 92km in 1971.
This year marks the 49th down run, taking place on Sunday June 8, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing 12 hours later outside Durban’s People’s Park.
The finish had moved from the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium to the new street finish outside People’s Park.At the finish there will be a grandstand for spectators erected in the southbound lanes of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, as well as a hospitality and entertainment area in People’s Park.
Space will also be allocated for running club tents on either side of the finish.
The route from the start will leave the city of Pietermaritzburg via Chief Albert Luthuli Street, turning right onto Alexandra Road and left onto Ritchie Road, which becomes Washington Road, and proceeding through Mkondeni to Polly Shortt’s. The first 8km of the route are wide, spacious and well lit, thus ensuring safer running conditions for all participants.
Alain Dalais, CMA general manager, said the carefully measured course embodies the spirit and tradition of The Ultimate Human Race, promising an unforgettable test of endurance and resilience for all participants.
“We are really excited about the new finish venue, because it will provide both runners and spectators with a unique experience and inspirational end to the day’s running.
“The runners will enjoy an easier, smoother finish process, while loved ones and supporters will be right there to welcome their runners in, and the venue will help create a terrific finish-line atmosphere,” said Dalais.
With the largest ever field of around 22 000 down run starters expected, this prompted the CMA’s decision to split the start into two groups, with a slightly later start time to ensure more light and better visibility in the early kilometres, notably coming down Polly Shortt’s.
The first group will set off at 5:45am, and the second group at 6am.
The two start groups will have different coloured race numbers, orange or purple, and there will be two similarly coloured finish chutes in Durban.
Both start groups will have the traditional 12 hours to complete the race.
Mqondisi Ngcobo, CMA chairperson, said as an athlete who has experienced the Comrades journey, he understood the dedication and preparation that goes into the race.
"The announcement of the official distance marks a significant step for all of us training for this 49th Down Run. The Comrades Marathon is more than just a race; it's a testament to the human spirit and the incredible camaraderie we share, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming thousands of fellow runners to KwaZulu-Natal," said Ngcobo.