MESSAGES
Message from the General Manager of the Comrades Marathon Association
ALAIN DALAIS
With just days to go until the 2025 Comrades Marathon, an electric sense of anticipation fills the air. On behalf of the Comrades Marathon Association( CMA), I extend my warmest wishes to each and every runner preparing to take on this year’ s Down Run. May your months of dedication, perseverance and training come together to deliver a strong, safe and fulfilling race day experience.
This year’ s Comrades promises to be more than just a test of endurance … it will be a celebration of spirit, community and excellence. Our team has been working around the clock to ensure that this historic event continues to meet the highest standards, both for the thousands of runners taking part and for the many spectators, volunteers and supporters who bring it to life.
Your journey begins with the Comrades Marathon Expo and Registration, hosted in both Durban and Pietermaritzburg. We encourage all runners to collect their race packs and take in the vibrant pre-race atmosphere. The Expo is an opportunity to connect with fellow athletes, meet sponsors, and soak in the spirit of Comrades before race day.
To help reduce stress and ensure smooth access to the finish line, we’ ve made significant improvements to logistics. Free public parking will be available at designated areas, including People’ s Park East, the Old Durban Drive-In, Centrum Parkade and several of the Sharks Kings Park outer fields( KP 3, 4, 9 & 10). Paid parking options are also available at the Suncoast Casino. A free shuttle service will run between these locations and Moses Mabhida Stadium, making it easier than ever for runners and spectators to arrive on time and ready, or get back to the car quickly after the race.
Out on the road, your health and hydration remain our top priorities. This year, we’ ve established an extensive network of 47 official refreshment stations stretching across the entire course. From the early kilometres in Pietermaritzburg to the final descent into Durban, each station will be stocked with water and energy drinks from Thirsti, Coca-Cola soft drinks, fresh fruit, savoury snacks like baby potatoes and Salticrax, and sweet treats to keep you going. You’ ll also find Asemzansi mahewu, high-performance energy gels, and recovery options from 32Gi to support your stamina all the way to the finish.
We also understand that your journey is not taken alone. For your supporters, we’ ve created three designated spectator points, located in Cato Ridge, Inchanga and Drummond, and each equipped with toilets, cleaning staff, and security officers. These spaces will provide a comfortable, safe vantage point for family and friends to cheer their runners on.
At the finish line, the celebration will continue. A lively beer garden, hosted by Castle Lite, and a selection of approved food vendors will provide refreshments and well-earned indulgences. We’ ve also added a Kids Play Zone operating from 9am to 6pm, with entertainment including face painting, games, and magic shows – ensuring that families can celebrate together in true Comrades style.
The Comrades Marathon remains one of the most powerful expressions of the human spirit. It is a journey marked not only by distance, but by resilience, determination and unity. We are honoured to walk this path with you and look forward to seeing thousands of dreams realised on race day.
Once again, good luck to every runner. May your stride be steady, your spirit strong, and your finish triumphant.
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