Comrades Marathon 2025 Launch: More Than A Race – Isiko Mpilo

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa – Excitement filled the air as the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) officially launched the 2025 Comrades Marathon, set to take place on Sunday, 8 June 2025. This iconic ultramarathon, steeped in history and renowned for its challenging course, continues to draw runners from across the globe.

A Down Run for the Ages

The 2025 edition promises to be an unforgettable event, embodying the spirit of endurance and camaraderie that defines the Comrades Marathon. Next year’s race will follow the traditional Down Run route, starting in Pietermaritzburg and finishing in Durban, covering a gruelling 89 kilometres.

Safety and Support a Priority

The CMA is dedicated to providing a safe and memorable experience for every participant. Enhanced safety measures and comprehensive support services will be in place, including:

• Medical assistance
• Refreshment stations
• Route marshals
• Law enforcement personnel

“More Than A Race – Isiko Mpilo”

“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 revealed the highly anticipated campaign slogan for #Comrades2025, ‘More Than A Race – Isiko Mpilo’, capturing the essence of the event as a life-altering journey, a pilgrimage for runners united by sportsmanship and a shared passion.

Minnaar elaborated on the slogan’s significance: “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.”

He added, “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!”

Race Details and Logistics

The 98th Comrades Marathon, a Down Run, will take place on Sunday, 8 June 2025, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05:30 and finishing 12 hours later at Durban’s Peoples Park, covering approximately 89km. This will be the 49th Comrades Down Run.

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

Entry Information

• Green Number Club runners: Entries open on 6 November 2024 at 12:00 and close on 9 December 2024 at 16:30.
• Non-Green Number Club runners: Entries open on 13 November 2024 at 10:00 and close on 9 December 2024 at 16:30.

The total number of entries is capped at 23,000.

Entry Fees:

Type	Entry Fee
South Africa 2025 Entrants	ZAR 1,200
Rest of Africa 2025 Entrants	ZAR 2,000
International 2025 Entrants	ZAR 4,500

Entry fees are waived for runners with 25 or more Comrades medals.

Online entries can be submitted via the official Comrades Marathon website: www.comrades.com

Qualifying for the 2025 Comrades Marathon

Runners need to complete 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 between 10 June 2024 and 5 May 2025.

Substitutions take place in March and April 2025. More details will be revealed closer to the time.

Prize Money Increase

Dalais also announced a 10% increase in prize money across all categories. The winners of both the Men’s and Women’s races will each receive ZAR874,000. The total prize purse exceeds ZAR7.6 million, including a potential ZAR550,000 bonus for breaking the Down Run Best Time in the Men’s and Women’s races.

The total prize purse is as follows:

Prize	Value
CMA Prize Money	ZAR 5,083,000
Cell C Top-up	ZAR 1,422,000
Cell C Pace	ZAR 1,000,000
Cell C Hot Spot	ZAR 100,000
Total	ZAR 7,605,000

Supporting Runners and Communities

The Comrades Runners’ Relief Fund will continue in 2025, allowing up to 1500 disadvantaged athletes to apply for a 50% reduced entry fee.

The Comrades Amabeadibeadi Charity Drive, which has raised over R76 million since 1996, will support the following charities in 2025:

• Childhood Cancer Foundation SA
• Childline KwaZulu-Natal
• Community Chest of Pietermaritzburg & Durban
• Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust
• Rise Against Hunger
• SANParks Honorary Rangers

Minnaar encouraged all participants to contribute to these worthy causes: “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.”

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Want to enter Comrades Marathon 2025?

Let Africa Marathons organise your trip to the iconic Comrades Marathon 2025. To find out more and enter the race, please email us at [email protected]. You can also contact us using the button below to join. We look forward to welcoming you to South Africa.

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