Comrades 2025 to Introduce Two Starts

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is excited to announce a change for the 2025 Comrades Marathon with the introduction of two race starts. This innovative approach aims to enhance the race experience for all participants in the world’s biggest, oldest and most famous ultramarathon; and ensure a smoother, safer, more efficient event.

For the first time in the history of The Ultimate Human Race, there will be a separate start for each of the two groups of athletes in this year’s race. However, they will both take place at the traditional Pietermaritzburg City Hall which is the start venue of the 49th Comrades Marathon Down Run.

To accommodate the two starts, the race will feature staggered start times, in keeping with the increasing field of participants, year on year. The first wave of runners will begin at 05h45, followed by the second wave 15 minutes later at 06h00. This staggered approach will help manage the flow of runners and reduce congestion on the course.

To ensure the ongoing great experience and world-class safety measures that have become synonymous with the Comrades Marathon, many experts have been consulted and lots of behind the scenes work has been undertaken which have led to this year’s two start decision.

Various race start options have also been explored at great length by the CMA’s Race Advisory Committee with the change expected to enhance safety and allow runners to maintain their pace more comfortably. The two starts are designed to improve the overall runner experience by providing more space and reducing bottlenecks at the beginning of the race.

CMA General Manager, Alain Dalais says, “This change reflects our commitment to continuously improving the safety measures and the overall race experience for our participants. We believe the two starts will provide a safer, more enjoyable and efficient race day for everyone involved.”

The CMA encourages all participants to familiarize themselves with the new starting procedures and to plan accordingly. Previous seeding will not be relevant and more specific communications around the process will be issued as soon as possible. Owing to ongoing roadworks, there is a delay in the finalisation of the Comrades route but this will be confirmed timeously in order for athletes to plan properly.

Detailed information will be provided on the official Comrades Marathon website and through various communication channels, including updates on seeding, qualifying and cut-offs.

The 98th Comrades Marathon takes place on Sunday, 8 June 2025. This is the 49th Down Run, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing 12 hours later at Durban’s People’s Park.

Revised Qualifying Time for #Comrades2025

With just 150 days to go until race day, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is excited to share an important update about the qualifying criteria for the 98th Comrades Marathon. Effective immediately, the qualifying time for the standard 42.2km marathon has been adjusted to 5 hours for all participants.

This change is designed to make the Comrades Marathon more inclusive and accessible, encouraging a wider range of athletes to take part in this iconic event on Sunday, 8 June 2025.

The decision comes after thorough consultation with key stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and running clubs. CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo explains, “We are thrilled to make the Comrades Marathon more accessible to a broader community of runners. This change demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity and the growth of the sport.”

He adds, “The Ultimate Human Race is all about celebrating endurance, camaraderie, and perseverance. We’re confident this adjustment will inspire more runners to join us and experience the unique challenge and spirit of the Comrades Marathon.”

CMA Acting Race & Operations Manager, Alain Dalais, agrees: “This is a fantastic move that opens the race to more participants and invites greater diversity. It’s an incredible opportunity for more runners to take on this legendary challenge.”

Key dates to keep in mind:

  • The final date for submitting qualifying details is Monday, 5 May 2025.
  • Qualifying times must be achieved between 10 June 2024 and 5 May 2025.

To qualify, athletes need to complete a standard 42.2km marathon in under 5 hours. Be sure to submit your qualifying race time, running club details, provincial club licence number, and medical questionnaire via your entry profile on the Comrades website: www.comrades.com.

#Comrades2025 will be a Down Run, starting at Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05:30 and finishing 12 hours later at Durban’s People’s Park. Covering approximately 89km, this will mark the 49th Down Run in the event’s storied history.

We look forward to seeing you at the starting line—ready to embrace the challenge and the camaraderie of the world’s most iconic ultramarathon!