The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced a significant increase in the prize purse for the 2025 Comrades Marathon, reflecting their dedication to celebrating the hard work of participants. The total prize fund will surpass R7.6 million, marking a substantial increase compared to previous years.
2025 Comrades Marathon Prize Money Overview and Enhancements
For 2025, the CMA has raised the prize money across all categories by 10%. Winners in both the men’s and women’s divisions will receive R874,000 each, boosted by a ‘top-up’ from major sponsor Cell C. Additional rewards include R500,000 for the Best Pace in both the men’s and women’s races and a R50,000 Hotspot prize.
Recent record times have set ambitious benchmarks for competitors:
- Best Pace for the Down Run:
- Men: David Gatebe (2016) – 03:34:08 min/km
- Women: Gerda Steyn (2023) – 03:55:98 min/km
- Best Times for the Down Run:
- Men: Tete Dijana (2023) – 05:13:58
- Women: Gerda Steyn (2023) – 05:44:54
Breaking these records will earn the winners an extra R550,000 each.
Supporting Local Runners
The CMA is also focused on rewarding local athletes. In partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the event will offer cash prizes for the top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories from KwaZulu-Natal. Additionally, the First South African Man and Woman will be awarded special prizes.
Here’s how the prize money breaks down:
| Category | Amount (R) |
|---|---|
| CMA Prize Money | 5,083,000 |
| Cell C Top-Up | 1,422,000 |
| Cell C Pace | 1,000,000 |
| Cell C Hotspot | 100,000 |
| Total | 7,605,000 |
2025 Comrades Marathon: Race Date, Venue, and Entry Details
The 98th Comrades Marathon will take place on Sunday, 8 June 2025, featuring the Down Run route. The race will start at Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05:30 and finish at People’s Park in Durban 12 hours later, covering approximately 89 km. This will be the 49th Down Run in the race’s history.
The demand for the race has been unprecedented. The 1,000 additional entries released for the 2025 event sold out in just two hours, highlighting the marathon’s immense popularity and global draw. The event attracts participants from over 80 countries, solidifying its place as a top ultramarathon.
The Spirit of the Comrades Marathon
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the additional entries,” said CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo. “The Comrades Marathon transcends being just a race; it’s a celebration of human perseverance and spirit. We can’t wait to welcome all our runners to the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban.”
The Comrades Marathon is a symbol of endurance and community spirit. For those who missed out on securing an entry, the CMA encourages them to stay connected through official channels for information on the Comrades Substitution Process, which will run throughout March and April 2025.
With its storied history, impressive records, and dedication to rewarding athletes, the 2025 Comrades Marathon is set to be a memorable event.
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