The 98th edition of the iconic Comrades Marathon will take place this Sunday, with more than 22,000 runners tackling the grueling 89.98-kilometer “down run” from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The race, one of South Africa’s most prestigious sporting events, will start at City Hall in Pietermaritzburg and finish at People’s Park in Durban.
A Competitive Field and Weather Watch
Former Comrades champion Nick Bester, who won the race in 1991 and now manages the Nedbank Running Club’s elite team, shared his insights ahead of the event. Despite concerns about weather conditions, Bester reassured runners that a cold front is unlikely to affect race day.
“Luckily, it doesn’t look like the cold front will come through before the race,” Bester said. However, he acknowledged Durban’s potential for warm weather, urging athletes to stay hydrated.
Elite Runners to Watch
This year’s race features a highly competitive field, including defending champion Piet Wiersma and down run champion Tete Dijana. Bester’s Nedbank team also boasts previous winner Edward Mothibi and a strong contingent of international athletes.
In the women’s race, all eyes will be on Gerda Steyn, who holds both the up and down run records. However, she faces stiff competition from Russian runner Alexandra Mazerova, who recently clocked an impressive 2:30 marathon, and Polish athlete Dominika Stalmach, who has been training in South Africa ahead of the race.
Safety and Strategy for Runners
For the first time, organizers have introduced wave starts to improve safety, particularly in the early, darker sections of the race. The notorious Polly Shortts climb, a challenging segment, has been a concern, prompting later start times for some runners.
Bester advised first-time Comrades participants to stick to familiar routines: “Don’t wear new clothing, don’t try new nutrition—believe in yourself. Your mind will carry you through, not just your legs.”
Record Participation and Cutoff Adjustments
This year’s down run has attracted the largest field ever, with adjustments to cutoff times allowing more runners to participate. Bester emphasized the importance of proper pacing and hydration, noting the abundance of water stations along the route.
As South Africa gears up for this historic ultramarathon, the stage is set for another thrilling edition of the Comrades Marathon, testing endurance, strategy, and sheer determination.
Race Details:
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Date: Sunday, 8 June 2025
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Distance: 89.98 km (Pietermaritzburg to Durban)
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Start: Pietermaritzburg City Hall
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Finish: People’s Park, Durban
Stay tuned for live updates and results as thousands of runners take on the ultimate human race.
#Comrades2025 #UltimateHumanRace
