New, shorter Comrades cut-off times and finish

RUNNERS in this year’s Comrades Marathon will have to dig deeper and push harder to ensure they finish, as this year’s slightly longer route also comes with some shorter cut-off points.

Comrades Marathon Association race director Rowyn James said organisers had received “overwhelmingly positive” feedback regarding the move to the Moses Mabhida Stadium from clubs across the country. This was reflected in members snapping up all 21 000 entries within a few weeks.

“That’s why we sold out the entries so quickly in three weeks, which normally takes three months.

“It is an iconic stadium in terms of its design and together with the Comrades Marathon – which is an iconic brand – the two link-up well and have generally generated interest from the clubs,” James said.

The CMA yesterday announced the new cut-off times for the 93rd edition of the race, which takes place between Pietermaritzburg and Durban on June 10, reflecting a 10-minute earlier cut-off at all points, except the halfway mark.

The first cut-off point is at Lion Park, followed by Cato Ridge, the halfway mark in Drummond, Winston Park, Pinetown and Sherwood.

“The cut-offs, which have been carefully worked out with extensive input from the official Comrades coach are an important facet of the race and are there for the wellbeing of the athlete. Should a runner not make any one of the cut-offs within the allotted time, they will need to board one of the provided bailer buses for transportation to the finish,” James said.

Ignoring the instructions of route managers, officials and marshals would lead to disqualification, he pointed out.

James said the route was 976m longer than the last down-run in 2016, which was 89.208km.

Amanzimtoti Athletics Club chairperson Erich Luckfiel said runners were aware of the cut-offs, which were necessary to protect the athletes’ health.

“It is a longer run and it will make it more difficult for runners to complete, because taking away anything from eight to 10 minutes means some won’t make it. But it’s for the benefit and health of the runners,” he added.

Riverside Harriers Club chairperson Clare Mangan welcomed the move to the stadium, saying it was a “great venue”.

“There is plenty of space and access to the venue is much better, but we just need to know how the clubs will be accommodated,” she said.