On June 8, the Comrades Marathon, recognized as the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon, once again showcased the heights of endurance running, with both Gerda Steyn and Tete Dijana among the standout competitors. Steyn, hailing from South Africa but currently residing in the UAE, secured her fourth win and her third consecutive victory, timing in at 5:51:19. Her performance adds to a storied career in this challenging event that alternates its 89.98-kilometer (55.91-miles) course direction each year, a change that requires specific training adaptations and pacing strategies.
For the 2025 race, the down-run course from Pietermaritzburg to Durban proved slightly longer than its predecessor in 2023, which was attributed to the relocation of the finish line. Runners need to consider such course changes in their preparations. For seasoned ultrarunners, these nuances highlight the importance of adapting training plans to account for not only elevation profiles and distance but also variations in terrain and weather conditions.
The Comrades Marathon serves as a national celebration and is steeped in tradition, featuring a festive atmosphere marked by the national anthem and other cultural nods that precede the start. There were over 22,000 entrants this year, an indicator of growing interest in ultramarathons. That significant turnout also underscores the potential for intense competition, which may impact pacing strategies; a rapid initial pace can often lead to a much-challenged performance later in the race.
Steyn’s ascent to the lead before the halfway mark exemplifies the strategic pacing that ultrarunners must often manage. Early in races, runners often take various approaches—whether to take control of the pace or allow others to lead. The varying strategies can be dictated by prior experience, physical state on race day, and knowledge of competitors. For instance, Steyn’s early positioning amidst a tight competition demonstrated that even when she trailed others, she effectively gauged her energy expenditure, ultimately moving up as the race intensified.
Dijana’s strategy played out similarly in the men’s race. After starting far back relative to the early frontrunner Onalenna Khonkhobe, who drastically surged ahead with a 14:54 initial 5k split, Dijana exhibited patience and tactical acuity. By remaining composed and resilient as Khonkhobe’s lead began to evaporate—due to obvious signs of cramping and fatigue—Dijana was able to capitalize on the fast-pace tactics that shifted through the race. While gusty starts can sometimes flummox competitors into chasing unattainable leads, seasoned ultrarunners are often advised to maintain their own range and nutritional strategies rather than succumb to the adrenaline of racing.
Tracking the course elevations and the notorious “Big Five” hills was also a critical element for both winners. Understanding these landmarks is not merely academic; they dictate the planning of breaks, water station usage, and when to exert extra effort. Acknowledging how the pitch of the downhill course accelerates in the latter half is crucial for runners who optimize speed on such descents to conserve energy for the final push, especially when the body must adapt to shifting demands from muscle fatigue.
A noteworthy outcome this year was the significant increase in prize purses totaling R7,605,000 (approximately $427,000). The market pressures of elite ultrarunning continue to expand, suggesting a shift towards more professional field-level competition and improved sponsorship opportunities. This influx into the financial stakes might further enhance performance metrics and increase the overall quality of fields in other ultrarunning events as they look to attract elite talent. The importance of monetary rewards shifts competitive dynamics, possibly leading to higher stakes and strategic racing from seasoned participants.
Athletes often strategize around potential course bonuses and times within their pacing, allowing realistic time targets to dictate their in-race decisions. For instance, contracted athletes might not only train for personal bests but recalibrate expectations based on market conditions and the competitive landscape. Besides overall performance, attention must be paid to recovery strategies post-race, as these factors play an essential role in sustaining long-term involvement in competitive ultrarunning.
As for the emerging talent pool, Elizabeth Mukoloma’s earlier positioning is indicative of what experienced ultrarunners should anticipate: both established and up-and-coming competitors will redefine expectations with consistent performances. In light of legal sports betting and adjusted odds, runners must recognize that outcomes can pressure their pacing and race strategies, compelling them to pay keen attention to not only their form and splits but also to their competitors’ trajectories during the race.
Finally, the takeaway from this year’s Comrades Marathon transcends individual performances and reveals a pressing truth about ultrarunning: despite the allure of competitive pushing and adrenaline-driven starts, tactical restraint balanced by an acute awareness of race conditions and competitor movements will often yield better results across the varied terrain of ultramarathons. As such, aspiring competitive ultrarunners should embrace adaptable training regimens that allow for fine-tuning both strategy and execution on race day, always mindful of the principle that patience paired with pacing can often lead to peak performance.
