Comrades Marathon route extended

The 90th running of the Comrades Marathon will be an ‘up-run’ from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on 31 May. Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) race director Rowyn James has confirmed the route measurement and the official distance is 87,72km, making it one of the longer up-runs in recent history.

Earlier this year, workshops were held in the Randburg area to help prepare the marathon runners. (See previous story)

James has explained that due to the GO!Durban Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network roadworks in Josiah Gumede Road (Old Main Road), Pinetown, the route has deviated slightly for Comrades race day. The CMA took the decision in accordance with its strict protocols on runner safety. The deviation occurs between the 69km – 67km to go Bonitas kilometre marker boards and means an extra 877 metres have been added onto the same route as the 2013 up-run.

Runners coming down Cowies Hill into Josiah Gumede Road (Old Main Road) in Pinetown will turn left into Beviss Road just beyond the SAPS Building, then right into Bamboo Lane, cross over St Johns Avenue and then turn right into School Road, cross over Josiah Gumede Road, and turn left into Kings Road crossing over Crompton Street and Glenugie Road before turning left into Anderson Road and then right back into Josiah Gumede Road to resume with the existing route towards Fields Hill.

James explained that Pinetown is the only place where the route deviation will occur.

Details: www.comrades.com