The 2025 edition of the prestigious Comrades Marathon will witness significant alterations aimed at enhancing the overall experience for participants. The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative for this year’s event by introducing dual start waves. This strategic modification is set to revolutionize the race dynamics, alleviate congestion, and elevate safety standards for athletes engaging in the world-renowned ultramarathon.

Unlike previous editions where all participants commenced the race simultaneously from Pietermaritzburg City Hall, the designated starting point for the 49th Down Run, the upcoming event will feature two distinct start waves. The first wave will kick off at 05:45, with the second wave following suit at 06:00. This departure from the traditional mass start is a proactive response to the escalating number of entrants and aims to facilitate a smoother progression along the course, mitigating bottlenecks and enabling runners to sustain their pace effectively.

The decision to implement this staggered start format was reached following extensive consultations with industry experts and the CMA’s Race Advisory Committee. Alain Dalais, the General Manager of CMA, elucidated that this strategic shift underscores the organization’s unwavering dedication to enhancing safety measures and optimizing the overall race experience. The bifurcated start is anticipated to foster a more enjoyable and streamlined race day for all participants.

Further specifics regarding the allocation of runners to each start wave, updates on qualifying criteria, time limits, and the final race route will be disclosed in due course. The 98th Comrades Marathon is scheduled to transpire on Sunday, 8 June 2025, commencing in Pietermaritzburg and culminating 12 hours later at Durban’s People’s Park. Enthusiasts are advised to monitor the official Comrades Marathon website and other communication channels of CMA for forthcoming announcements.

This strategic revision underscores the organizers’ proactive approach to adapt to the evolving landscape of marathon running, ensuring a seamless and gratifying experience for all participants and stakeholders involved in the iconic Comrades Marathon. The forthcoming edition is poised to set a new benchmark in the realm of endurance racing, heralding a transformative era for this illustrious sporting event.