The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has made a historic announcement for the 2025 Comrades Marathon, introducing a groundbreaking change that will see the race split into two separate starts for the first time in its storied history.
This shift represents a significant moment for the world’s oldest, biggest, and most famous ultramarathon, as the CMA continues to innovate and improve the runner experience.
In a move aimed at enhancing both safety and efficiency, the 2025 Comrades Marathon will feature staggered start times at the iconic Pietermaritzburg City Hall, the traditional starting point of the race since its inception.
For the first time in the event’s history, participants will be divided into two distinct waves, each starting at different times.
The first group will begin at 05h45, followed by the second wave at 06h00—just 15 minutes later. This new approach is designed to alleviate congestion and provide a smoother and more manageable race experience, reflecting the growing popularity of the event.
The historical significance of this change cannot be overstated. The decision to implement two separate starts comes after years of careful deliberation and consultation with experts, driven by the increasing number of participants year after year.
The CMA’s Race Advisory Committee explored various options, ultimately concluding that staggered starts would best serve the needs of runners, allowing them to maintain a consistent pace and reduce bottlenecks at the beginning of the race.
This change marks a new era in the race’s evolution, prioritizing runner safety and comfort while maintaining the excitement and challenge that defines the Comrades Marathon.
CMA General Manager, Alain Dalais, emphasized the importance of this shift, stating, “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 change aligns with the CMA’s dedication to ensuring that the Comrades Marathon remains a world-class event, even as it grows and evolves.
For participants, this historic change will require some adjustments. Previous seeding will no longer be relevant, and further information on the new procedures, including seeding, qualifying, and cut-offs, will be provided in the coming months.
The CMA encourages all runners to familiarize themselves with the updated race details, ensuring they are prepared for the new start protocols.
The 98th Comrades Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, 8 June 2025, will be the 49th Down Run. The race will begin at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and culminate 12 hours later at Durban’s People’s Park.
As the race enters this new chapter, the CMA’s innovative approach to starting times promises to enhance both the safety and enjoyment of the runners, ensuring that the Comrades Marathon remains a legendary test of endurance for years to come.
