WATCH: Comrades Marathon 2025 under way
Runners from around the world began their descent to Durban in the 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon on Sunday.
Over 22,000 people are taking part in the Ultimate Human Race.
The down-run from Pietermaritzburg is a gruelling 90-kilometre journey to People's Park.
Runners will need to finish in under-12 hours to claim their spot in the race.
READ: ROAD CLOSURES: Sunday’s Comrades Marathon
Local athlete Collen Lotz, who's already completed several Comrades, is among those there.
She spoke to Newswatch ahead of the event.
" It's such an experience. Take in the nerves, the butterflies, the feeling of nausea. Just take it all in because it's such an experience.
ALSO READ: Comrades 2025 expected to inject millions in KZN
"The comrades is something totally special. This will be my third down run and I've done one up run, and they've all been back to back. I was a cyclist, um, and then started running four years ago."
First timer Wesley Ngcobo says he's always been up for the challenge.
“ I'm a soccer player. I always have this subconsciously on my mind that, one day I would love to do the Comrades Marathon. So I thought, now is the time. I started training in February. I think I'm ready now. I have mixed feelings.”
WATCH BELOW:
And they're off! 🚀
— ComradesRace (@ComradesRace) June 8, 2025
The Comrades Marathon 2025 Down Run has officially begun from Pietermaritzburg! Thousands of dreams, months of training, and pure grit on display. Let the Ultimate Human Race unfold! #ComradesMarathon #RoadToComrades #TheUltimateHumanRace #Comrades2025… pic.twitter.com/BAC1TEIqvt
