New cut-off times for Comrades
It is believed that subject to confirmation from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) investigation it would appear that the banner in front of the aircraft an caused an aerodinamic issue and the control of the aircraft was lost soon after take off.
It is the up-run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg this year.
The Comrades Marathon Association’s (CMA) race director Rowyn James, has announced that the following cut-off times have been confirmed and will form part of this year’s race rules:
n Cowies Hill after 17km the cut-off time is two hours and 40 minutes at 8.10am.
n Winston Park with a distance of 30,7km the cut-off is four hours and 30 minutes at 10am.
n Drummond, the halfway mark after 43,7km, is at 11.45am with six hours and 15 minutes.
n N3 Subway at Cato Ridge after 57.7km, cut-off at eight hours and 10 minutes at 1.40pm.
n Umlaas Road Interchange after 67,7km, cut-off at nine hours and 30 minutes at 3pm.
n Top of Polly Shorts after 80,2km, cut-off at 11 hours and 10 minutes at 4.40pm.
Due to the extra 877m route deviation in the first half of the race, the previously advertised halfway cut off of six hours has been extended to six hours 15 minutes so as to factor in the additional distance.
James says the cut-offs are an important facet of the race and are there for the well-being of the runner.
Should a runner not make any one of the cut-offs within the allotted time, they will not be able to complete the race within the overall 12-hour cut-off time.
“It is a sad reality for quite a few runners every year, but it is all for the runner’s good,” he adds.
The Comrades Marathon has attracted runners from across the globe.
The CMA warmly welcomes all runners and supporters to KwaZulu Natal in celebration of the world’s biggest and oldest ultra-marathon.
