Revised route for shorter Comrades up-run

David Gatebe crosses the finish line at the 2016 Comrades Marathon. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

David Gatebe crosses the finish line at the 2016 Comrades Marathon. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Published Jan 17, 2017

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Durban - As aspirant Comrades runners prepare themselves for peak performance in this year’s up-run, the Comrades Marathon Association has announced the official distance of the Comrades Marathon, as well as marginal changes to the route.

“The official distance is 86.73km,” said race director Rowyn James.

“With regards to the route changes, we will return to the original up-run course through Pinetown without any detours and follow the traditional route from the start outside the Durban City Hall, all the way to Pietermaritzburg, except for the last 7km or so.

“Just after the top of Polly Shortts, a revised route will be followed to the new finish venue of Scottsville Racecourse. The route is similar to the one of the 1998 and 2000 Comrades Marathons.”

This year’s up-run will be slightly shorter than the two most recent up-run routes. The 2013 route was 86.86km long, while the 2015 route measured 87.72km.

In line with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2010, James has also confirmed that the Scottsville Racecourse will serve as the finish venue for this year’s race.

“Aligning with the requirements of the Events Act necessitated the move to the racecourse. The landmark location served as the finish venue of both the 1998 and 2000 editions,” James said.

Race day is on Sunday,

June 4.

The Mercury

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