The Comrades Marathon 2025 is an iconic race in the world of long-distance endurance running. This ultramarathon is run annually in South Africa and is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon race and alternates between the two cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg each year. At a distance of approx. 56 miles/89kms, with several large hills amongst the seemingly endless vistas and stunning scenery, it provides an incredible challenge for any runner.
Comrades Marathon 2025 details
Race Date: 8 June 2025
Race Start: 05:30am in Pietermaritzburg
Race Finish: 17:30pm in Durban
Distance: ULTRA approx. 89kms
The Course
2025 is expected to be a DOWN RUN that will start in Pietermaritzburg, outside the City Hall at 05:30am to the sounds of Chariots of Fire, Shosholoza, the famous cock crow and the National Anthem. It’s a long day at the office for many and a beast of a race but the experience is second to none. There are lots of challenging hills and enthusiastic support from spectators along the roads. Finish as a hero before cut off at 17:30pm in Durban.
Temperature
Conditions are usually dry and warm, with expected temperatures ranging from 50 to 65 degrees. The start is mild and sometimes chilly in Pietermaritzburg, throughout the day it gets warmer as the sun comes out.
Tip! Train in warm/hot temperatures where possible.
Back to Back
2024 saw 18,884 Comrades Marathon runners on the start line and 17,313 finishers, an astounding 91.68% finish rate. Any novice who completed 2024 will receive a back-to-back medal in addition to their Comrades Marathon medal when finishing 2025 before the cut-off time.
Time Limits & Cut-Offs
The race will have batch wave starts and be timed “mat-to-mat”. The cut-off times for these points will be confirmed in the final race instructions. For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website
Qualification Requirement
All entrants are required to meet the Comrades Marathon 2025 qualifying criteria.
Failure to meet the qualifying criteria will result in your entry being rejected. The cut-off date for supplying the below information in order to make your entry complete is 5 May 2025.
Update your qualifying details either by using your online entry profile, email, or contacting the CMA office by 5 May 2025.
Generally speaking, you need to complete the medical questionnaire (available by logging into your entry profile once entered) and you would need to complete a standard marathon in a time of sub 4 hours 50 minutes (4:49:59) and between 10 June 2024 and 5 May 2025, but other ultra distanced races can be used as qualifiers. The qualifying table and for more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website.
Minimum Age: 20 years old
How do I receive confirmation of entry?
Runners who purchase entry from MTT will receive a registration link. This will be sent, with instructions when Comrades Marathon are ready. During the registration process you will create an account and it’s to this account that you will need to submit your proof of qualifying time and race before the deadline. After you have registered on the Comrades system you will receive a confirmation of registration and subsequent email updates. Your name will also then show on the 2025 entry list.
Entry Fee
Guaranteed entry is available as an additional cost when booked with our package.
Number Pickup:
You must collect your (2) Comrades Marathon race numbers, FREE runners t-shirt and goodie bag from the venue you have indicated on your entry form.
It is important to note the following when collecting your race number package:
Difficulty:
Very challenging! Ultra-marathon with strict time limit and endless hills.
For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website.
