2018 Comrades Marathon route changes and official distance released

The official distance of the 2018 Comrades Marathon as well as changes to the route have been confirmed by the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA).

CMA race director, Rowyn James announced that the officially measured and certified distance for this year’s down run, which takes place on Sunday, 10 June, is 90,184km.

This will be slightly longer than the previous down run route in 2016, which was 89,208km.

Some changes will also be introduced from the start at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall.

Dolphin Coast Striders (DCS) chairman Barry Holland, who has now run more consecutive Comrades Marathons than any other athlete in the history of the event, said there has been a number of route changes and varying distances over the years.

“This is nothing different, but I think it will be quite fantastic to finish off the race by running into the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium,” said Holland, who has run the ultramarathon 45 times.

“The guys at the end of the field are going to be slightly more affected, as there will be no changes to the cut-off times, but they know what they need to work towards.”

“The extra kilometre this year is relatively flat, but it’s the Comrades Marathon – it is what it is!”

Comrades route

• On race day, our runners will start their epic down run journey at the City Hall, running down Chief Albert Luthuli Street, heading east. From there they will continue along Alan Paton Avenue and then contraflow onto the N3 national freeway.

• From there, they will glide off right onto the Market Road on ramp and then left onto the slip road to CB Downes Road and then follow the traditional Comrades route towards Polly Shortts and onwards to Durban.”

• Regarding the route into Durban, athletes will follow the N3 under the Tollgate Bridge and then take the new fly-over into David Webster Street which becomes Bram Fischer Road.

• From there, our runners will turn left into Samora Machel Road which then becomes Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.”

• Runners will then run contraflow in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and cross to the north bound lane at Battery Beach Road.

• They will then take the pathway to the left between the bollards, pass the Virgin Active Gym and turn left into the tunnel before Nino’s and onto the field to the Finish Line at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“We are working closely with all traffic and law enforcement officials to ensure the safety and integrity of the event,” said James.

“We look forward to ensuring a great race day for both our runners and spectators on Sunday, 10 June.”

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