In a move that should be welcomed by back-of-the-pack runners, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced a more flexible and runner-friendly approach to route cut-off times for the 98th edition of the iconic ultra-marathon, set to take place on Sunday, 8 June 2025.
For the first time, the cut-off times along the 89.98km Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban have been designed to ease pressure on runners in the early stages while still upholding the 12-hour overall race limit. This means athletes will have more time to settle into a comfortable rhythm and avoid burning out too early.
Generous Early Pacing
The CMA has based the new intermediate cut-offs on a more forgiving pace strategy. Instead of enforcing a strict 8:00/km average throughout, the early checkpoints now allow for a significantly slower pace:
- To Cato Ridge (30.5km): 10:12/km pace
- To Drummond (halfway at 45km): 8:55/km pace
These changes are designed to give runners the opportunity to conserve energy early on, potentially enabling negative splits—a strategy where athletes run the second half of the race faster than the first.
From there, the pace gradually tightens, leading to the final cut-off at 12 hours:
- Winston Park (58.3km): 8:42/km
- Pinetown (69.1km): 8:48/km
- 45th Cutting (81.5km): 8:30/km
- Finish (90km): 8:00/km
Only one set of cut-offs will be used, coming into effect after the second start at 6:00am. The first group of runners will start at 5:45am, effectively gaining a 15-minute head start.
| Point on Route | Approx Distance Done | Race Time | Time of Day | Pace to Get There | Approx. Distance to Go | Time Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cato Ridge underpass | 30.5km | 5:10:00 | 11:10 | 10:12/km | 60km | 6:50:00 |
| Halfway @ Drummond | 45km | 6:40:00 | 12:40 | 8:55/km | 45km | 5:20:00 |
| Winston Park | 58.3km | 8:30:00 | 14:30 | 8:42/km | 32km | 3:30:00 |
| Pinetown underpass | 69.1km | 10:05:00 | 16:05 | 8:48/km | 21km | 1:55:00 |
| 45th Cutting crest | 81.5km | 11:30:00 | 17:30 | 8:30/km | 9km | 0:30:00 |
| Final Cut-off | 90km | 12:00:00 | 18:00 | 8:00/km | 0 | N/A |
Note: Cut-off times come into effect after the Second Group start at 06:00. (Add 15 minutes for Group 1)
Fairness and Safety First
CMA General Manager Alain Dalais emphasized that the new system is about supporting legitimate finishers, not penalizing them early.
The goal is not to cut runners unnecessarily. As long as they are within cut-off times and capable of maintaining pace, they will be allowed to continue.
CMA Board Member and Race Advisory Committee Chair Alan Gray echoed this:
It’s not about just beating each cut-off by a minute. You still need to be on track for an 8:00/km overall average to finish in 12 hours. But we’re giving runners more opportunity to pace themselves smartly.
A Nod to Comrades History
Interestingly, this new approach brings the race closer to its original ethos. In the early years—like Bill Payn’s famous 1922 run—participants could stop for meals, drinks, and even a brandy, as long as they made it to the finish in time. The CMA is now echoing that spirit of endurance over speed.
Why the Change?
In recent years, the race has faced criticism for placing too much early pressure on slower runners, with many failing to finish not because they couldn’t run 89km, but because they had to overexert early just to avoid being cut. The 2025 strategy aims to change that narrative, allowing more inclusive and strategic participation.
Bottom Line: Run Smart
The CMA’s message to runners is clear: pace yourself, stay mindful of your average speed, and don't rely solely on just scraping past each cut-off. A special Comrades webinar on 28 May will provide more advice on how to approach the race.
For anyone able to run 10km in 63 minutes or a marathon in 5 hours, this year’s Comrades is more accessible than ever. With this new focus on pacing and strategy, 2025 might just see more happy finishers crossing the line in Durban.
