Top runners welcome the change of the Comrades Marathon Finish Line

The CMA race director Rowyn James told SABC Sport that the Ultimate Human Race would not finish at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium for the first time in seven years due to the hosting of the Cosafa Cup tournament.

The 2018 and 2022 ultramarathons finished at Moses Mabhida Stadium, but the CMA is returning to its traditional date of the second Sunday of June from the previously held August date.

“The Ultramarathon got reduced by 3km, and it's fantastic news for the runners. We are excited, and this allows the runners to break the record and make more money. 

The record could tumble again this year due to the shorter distance. The runners no longer have to go up the stairs after a grueling 90km race at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Moses Mabhida is designed for a soccer stadium, not designed for the Comrades Marathon. And we are happy to return to Kingsmead Stadium. We were not allowed on the grass at the soccer stadium, but at Kingsmead, we are allowed,” said James.

James told the national broadcaster the CMA would re-measure the Finish Line in May.

“There are too many road works in Durban at the moment, but we do not have to re-do the whole route. We will measure from the Umlazi road to the finish at Kingsmead in May,” added James.

David Gatebe set the Down Run record in 2016 with 5 hours, 18 minutes, and 19 seconds and Frith van der Merwe completed the ladies in 5:54:43 in 1989.

Ashworth, the Comrades Marathon champion in 2018, told SABC Sport there is a possibility of breaking the 34-year-old record set by Van der Merwe.

“With a shorter distance, somebody can break the record this year. I’m happy the finish moved to Kingsmead, and it saved us the gas in our already tired legs. The venue is smaller, and you can touch the fans in the last 100m of the Ultramarathon. I was never a fan of the Moses Mabhida Stadium finish. I am preparing for the race and will push for the record,” said Ashworth.

The 2013 champion Moshyiwa said the decrease in the distance is a victory for the runners, and he predicted a finishing time of 5:22 to 5:24 at Kingsmead Stadium.

“The last 3km stretches your legs, and the changes make a big difference. We could see a faster time this year. I could not cope with the last 3km and was delighted with 87km. But I doubt the record will tumble, not this year. The course is a little bit hilly. I have adjusted my training in line with the finish,” said Moshyiwa.