The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced a significant change for the 2025 Comrades Marathon, introducing two separate race starts to enhance the experience for participants in the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon. This new approach aims to ensure a smoother, safer, and more efficient event.
For the first time, the race will feature two distinct starts for different groups of athletes, both beginning at the traditional Pietermaritzburg City Hall, the starting point for the 49th Comrades Marathon down run. The first wave of runners will start at 5.45am, followed by the second wave at 6am. This staggered start is designed to manage the flow of runners and reduce congestion on the course.
The decision to implement dual starts comes after extensive consultations with experts and significant behind-the-scenes work. The CMA’s race advisory committee explored various options to enhance safety and allow runners to maintain their pace more comfortably. The new format is expected to improve the overall runner experience by providing more space and reducing bottlenecks at the beginning of the race.
CMA GM Alain Dalais stated, “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.”
Participants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new starting procedures and plan accordingly. Previous seeding will not be relevant, and more specific communications about the process will be issued soon. Due to ongoing roadworks, there is a delay in finalizing the Comrades route, but it will be confirmed in time for athletes to plan properly.
Detailed information will be available on the official Comrades Marathon website and through various communication channels, including updates on seeding, qualifying, and cut-offs.
