Excitement builds as 1 000 extra entries for Comrades Marathon 2025 are taken
Durban — The 1 000 additional Comrades Marathon entries made available for the 2025 Comrades Marathon were taken in less than two hours.
This was announced by the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) on Friday which said this overwhelming response underscores the immense popularity and global appeal of this iconic ultra-marathon.
The marathon, renowned as the world’s largest and oldest ultra-marathon, continues to capture the hearts and minds of runners from around the globe. With participants from over 80 countries, the race is a true testament to the spirit of endurance and camaraderie.
CMA chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo said: “We are incredibly excited by the enthusiastic response to the additional entries.”
“The Comrades Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of human spirit and determination. We look forward to welcoming all our runners to the Comrades start line.”
Ngcobo added that athletes unable to secure an entry are encouraged to stay connected through official Comrades Marathon channels for details of the Comrades Substitution Process which will run over March and April 2025.
On Thursday, the CMA decided to reopen the 2025 Comrades Marathon entry process for a limited period.
CMA acting race and operations manager Alain Dalais said: “Our runners have spoken, and we have listened. We were pleased with the entry cap of 23 000 entries being reached within a short space of time, but have realised that many athletes were left highly disappointed at not securing a space on the start line.”
At its first meeting held Wednesday night, the CMA Board decided to reopen the entry process. A limited number of 1 000 entries were made available to aspirant athletes on a first-come-first-served basis on Friday, December 6 at 8am.
At the time, Dalais said the second entry window would close at midnight on Monday, December 9 or as soon as the entry cap of 1 000 is reached, whichever comes first.
The entry fee is waived for holders of 25 or more Comrades finishes.
The Comrades Runners’ Relief Fund continues. Through the initiative, up to 1 500 disadvantaged athletes may apply for a reduced entry fee of 50%. Terms and conditions apply.
Dalais encouraged participants to register early to secure their spots.
The 98th Comrades Marathon, which will be the 49th down run, will be run on June 8. It will begin at Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finish 12 hours later at Moses Mabhida Stadium’s People’s Park in Durban.
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