South Africa

Comrades marathon embraces symbolic image as pilgrimage for global road race community

Over the years, the Comrades marathon has evolved into much more than just an ultra-marathon – it has gained global status as an iconic road race, becoming a bucket list item for road athletes worldwide.

Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) administrators, sponsors, athletes, government officials, road running dignitaries and members of the media last week were 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.

Next year’s race will follow the traditional Down Run, starting from Pietermaritzburg and finishing in Durban, covering a gruelling approximate 89 kilometres.

“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 last week.

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 12:00
Photo: Supplied

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 they have chosen for next year speaks to the legacy of an event that has made its mark on a nation for more than 100 years.

“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,” Minnaar remarked.

It was also announced during the launch that, 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 12:00 and will close on 9 December 2024 at 16:30.

Entries for all Non-Green Number Club runners open on 13 November 2024 at 10:00 and will close on 9 December 2024 at 16:30. The total number of entries will be capped at 23,000. The entry period will close on 9 December 2024 at 16:30 or once the entry cap of 23,000 has been reached, whichever comes first.

Online entries or all other inquiries can be done via the Comrades Marathon website: www.comrades.com.

 

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram

Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here.