The Comrades Marathon is about to make a significant shift in how the race is run.
For the first time in its 104-year history, the world’s oldest and most prestigious ultramarathon will have two separate starts in 2025.
This decision was made by the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) to enhance the overall race experience and ensure a smoother, safer event for all participants.
Staggered Start Times to Improve Safety and Race Flow
The change will see the traditional start at Pietermaritzburg City Hall hosting two groups of runners.
The first wave will begin at 5:45 AM, followed by the second wave 15 minutes later at 6:00 AM.
The introduction of staggered start times is designed to manage the growing number of participants and alleviate congestion on the course, especially at the start when the roads are narrow.
Comrades Runners React to the Announcement
As expected, the announcement has sparked a wide range of reactions from runners, both experienced and new.
Many have expressed confusion or concern over the changes, while others are more supportive.
Stuart Mann, the author of the popular ‘The Running Mann’ blog, shared his thoughts on the decision, acknowledging that while the new board has made some great strides in improving the event, clear communication remains a challenge.
Some runners have expressed dislike for the wave system, citing how it detracts from the dramatic moments of medal cutoffs and the final stretch of the race.
Despite these reservations, the CMA has stated that the change is necessary due to the increasing number of entrants, which is expected to be the largest Down Run in history.
Addressing the Growth of the Race and Safety Concerns
The CMA’s focus on runner safety is a major driver behind this decision.
According to board member Alan Gray, with over 24,000 entrants expected in 2025, the roads out of Pietermaritzburg pose a significant safety risk if all runners were to start at once.
The staggered starts aim to reduce the congestion in the first 15 kilometers, which should provide a safer, more comfortable experience for participants.
The decision to push the start time later to 5:45 AM instead of the traditional 5:30 AM was also made to improve safety.
It will allow the leaders to reach Polly Shortts as the sun rises, thus avoiding the hazardous conditions runners typically face in the dark during this section.
Impact on Cutoffs and Runner Experience
The new start times have led to some questions about how the cutoffs will work, especially after the issues faced in 2023.
The good news for runners is that the cutoffs for the 2025 race will be set with enough time to ensure that no runner who is capable of completing the race within the 12-hour limit is left behind.
The halfway cutoff at Drummond will be set at 12:30 PM, and other cutoffs will be confirmed after the course measurement in late March.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding the staggered start is how it will affect the overall race experience, particularly for those running in the second wave.
However, the CMA has assured that the flow of runners will be carefully managed to prevent any major disruptions during the race.
Medals and Seeding Clarifications
The new system will not affect the traditional medal system but will require adjustments to how runners are seeded.
Seeding will still be based on qualifying times, but it will be more dynamic, with positions assigned to each starting group based on the final number of entrants and their times.
This means that faster runners will be placed in earlier waves, with the front runners starting in the “A” wave.
The CMA has also clarified how medals will be distributed, ensuring that runners in each wave will receive their medals based on their finishing times and the type of medal they’ve earned.
Runners will be directed to the appropriate chute at the finish line to ensure that medals are handed out according to their results.
Looking Ahead to 2027 and the 100th Comrades Marathon
The changes introduced in 2025 are part of the CMA’s long-term vision for the race, particularly in preparation for the 100th running of the Comrades Marathon in 2027.
The 2025 race is expected to serve as a template for the centenary event, which is anticipated to be the largest and most spectacular race in the marathon’s history.
The CMA is already working on strategies to accommodate a potentially higher number of entrants, which could include symbolic 34,000 participants, matching the number of runners in the inaugural 1921 race.
Final Thoughts on the Changes
While some runners may be skeptical about the new start format, the CMA’s primary goal remains to improve the safety and overall experience of the race.
With 2025 marking the last Down Run before the 100th event, this year will be crucial in testing out new ideas and refining the race format for the future.
Whether the staggered start will be a success will ultimately be determined on race day, but the hope is that it will pave the way for a safer, more enjoyable experience for all participants.
Have you run the Comrades Marathon? Let us know your thoughts on these changes or share your experiences by commenting below.