LAUNCH OF 2025 COMRADES MARATHON

More Than A Race – Isiko Mpilo

Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) administrators, sponsors, athletes, government officials, road running dignitaries and members of the media were thrilled to be a part of the official launch of the 2025 Comrades Marathon, set to take place on Sunday, 8 June 2025. The iconic ultramarathon, renowned for its challenging course and rich history, continues to attract runners from around the globe.

The 2025 edition promises to be an extraordinary event, celebrating the spirit of endurance and camaraderie that the Comrades Marathon is famous for. Next year’s race will follow the traditional Down Run, starting from Pietermaritzburg and finishing in Durban, covering a gruelling approximate 89 kilometres.

The CMA is committed to ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all participants. Enhanced safety measures and support services will be in place, including medical assistance, refreshment stations, route marshals and law enforcement personnel.

“There is absolutely no doubt that the 2025 Comrades Marathon is going to be one of the most exciting editions of the world-famous ultramarathon as we host the next Down Run in 214 days from today,” said Comrades Marathon Association Chairperson, Jeff Minnaar at the launch of the 98th Comrades Marathon at Comrades House today (Wednesday, 6 November 2024).

CMA Marketing Manager, Delaine Cools unveiled the highly anticipated campaign slogan for #Comrades2025, ‘More Than A Race – Isiko Mpilo’, reaffirming the event’s attraction as a life-changing experience, a pilgrimage of sorts and a coming together of a global family of runners who are committed to good sportsmanship and a shared passion for running.”

Minnaar said, “The campaign slogan we have chosen this year speaks to the legacy of an event that has made its mark on a nation for more than 100 years. Our annual race day has taken on a very different meaning for us as South Africans; with many people referring to it as Comrades Day.”

“On this day, both runners and supporters are not just united in a road-running event but stand together in camaraderie and goodwill. Through this event, we are reminded of our commitment to standing together, collaborating, nation building and being a force for good.”

Minnaar adds, “The Comrades Marathon is More Than A Race; it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit and perseverance. We are excited to welcome runners from all corners of the world to this prestigious event. Isiko Mpilo!”

The 98th Comrades Marathon will be a Down Run on Sunday, 8 June 2025, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05h30 and finishing 12 hours later at Durban’s Peoples Park, with a race distance of approximately 89km. This will be the 49th Comrades Down Run.

CMA Acting Race & Operations Manager, Alain Dalais says, “Our team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional race experience. We encourage all participants to prepare thoroughly and embrace the journey.”

“As a token of appreciation to all Green Number Club athletes for their many years of loyalty and dedication to The Ultimate Human Race, entries will open ONLY for all Green Number Club runners on 6 November 2024 at 12h00 and will close on 9 December 2024 at 16h30.”

Entries for all Non-Green Number Club runners open on 13 November 2024 at 10h00 and will close on 9 December 2024 at 16h30. The total number of entries will be capped at 23,000. The entry period will close on 9 December 2024 at 16h30 or once the entry cap of 23,000 has been reached, whichever comes first.

Entry fees remain the same as that of the 2023 and 2024 races and are as follows:

Entry fee is waived for holders of 25 or more Comrades medals.
• Online entries can be done via the Comrades Marathon website: www.comrades.com.

Key highlights of the 2025 Comrades Marathon:

• Race Date: 8 June 2025
• Route: Pietermaritzburg to Durban (approximately 89km)
• Entry Period: Opens on 6 November 2024 for Green Number Club athletes and 13 November 2024 for all other entrants. Entries close on 9 December 2024 or once the cap is reached
• Entry Tally: Capped at 23,000 and expected to attract participants from nearly 80 countries

Qualification for the 2025 Comrades Marathon is applicable from 10 June 2024 till 5 May 2025. The qualifying criteria for next year’s Comrades Marathon remain unchanged, requiring completion of a standard, officially timed 42.2km marathon in under 4 hours and 50 minutes, or a 56km ultra-marathon in under 6 hours and 45 minutes.

The substitution process will run over the month of March and April 2025. More details will be revealed closer to the time.

Dalais also confirmed that prize money for the 2025 Comrades Marathon has been increased by 10% across the board, meaning that the winner in both the Men’s and Women’s races will take home a cool R874,000 with a total prize purse of over R7,6-million, which includes a cash payment of R550,000 should the winners break the Best Time previously recorded for the Down Run in both the Men’s and Women’s races.

In conjunction with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the race will incentivise the First, Second and Third KwaZulu-Natal Men and Women home with a cash prize.

There will also be prizes for the First South African Man and Woman.

The total prize purse is as follows:

Runners will be pleased with the continuation of the Comrades Runners’ Relief Fund. Through this initiative, up to 1500 disadvantaged athletes may apply for a reduced entry fee of 50%. Terms and conditions apply. More details are available on the official Comrades website: www.comrades.com

Since its inception in 1996, the Comrades Amabeadibeadi Charity Drive has raised more than R76-million for the CMA’s official charities. The official charities for 2025 are Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, Childline KwaZulu-Natal, Community Chest of Pietermaritzburg & Durban, Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust, Rise Against Hunger and SANParks Honorary Rangers.

Minnaar has called on all runners to join hands with the CMA in raising funds for charity, saying, “The Comrades Marathon is more than a race; it is an inspiration and a force for change. May we all do our bit to contribute to the welfare of those who need our compassion and generosity.”

“I personally urge all aspirant 2025 entrants to select the Official Comrades Charity whose mission resonates with your own calling and for you to run your 2025 Comrades race as a fundraiser for that special cause. I do believe that #Comrades2025 could be the year in which we see record fundraising efforts by our runners and stakeholders.”