The countdown to the 98th Comrades Marathon is on, and eThekwini Municipality is pulling out all the stops to ensure Durban is ready to welcome the world. On Sunday, 8 June 2025, thousands of runners will take on the legendary down-run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, and the city is gearing up to match the energy and spirit of this iconic race.
As one of South Africa’s most celebrated sporting events, the Comrades Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a moment of unity, pride, and celebration. Durban is preparing to shine with a full-scale city readiness operation already in motion. Municipal teams are hard at work along the route, with the Cleansing and Solid Waste unit leading efforts to ensure the race path, stretching from Cato Ridge to Moses Mabhida Stadium, is clean and welcoming. Waste bins will be placed strategically along the route, and post-race clean-up teams are standing by to restore the streets once the last runner crosses the finish line.
This is not just a race for runners; it’s a chance for Durban residents to be part of the action. The municipality is calling on all locals to support the event by keeping their surroundings clean, cheering on the runners, and showing the warmth and hospitality that makes Durban so unique. From garden gates to street corners, the presence and spirit of supporters make all the difference to the runners pushing through every kilometre.
This weekend, the streets of Durban will come alive with rhythm, resilience, and community pride. Whether you’re on the sidelines, at a water table, or waving from your front yard, your support will help make the 2025 Comrades Marathon unforgettable.
Extensive road closures announced:
Motorists are advised to plan ahead and expect significant road closures on Saturday, 7 June, as the province prepares to host a major public event affecting key transport routes from Pietermaritzburg through to Durban and surrounding areas.
The road closures, scheduled in phases from 2:00 AM to 8:30 AM, will impact both local and national routes, including parts of the N3, M13, Chief Albert Luthuli Street, and King Cetshwayo Highway, among others. Authorities are urging the public to take note of the affected times and areas to avoid delays and ensure road safety.
The closure process will begin at 15:00 on Thursday 5 June with Sandile Thusi Road (both directions) and David Webster & Braam Fischer Street shutting down. The N3 East Bound, King Cetshwayo Highway, and St Johns Avenue will follow in the early hours of 8 June, starting from 2:00 AM.
From there, a series of rolling closures will be implemented along the route, beginning in front of the City Hall, continuing through Chief Albert Luthuli Street, and extending to Polly Shortts, Ashburton Road, Lion Park, Umlaas Road, Camperdown, and Cato Ridge Town Area, reaching as far as Winston Park and Fields Hill.
Closures will continue in 15-minute intervals through:
• Alverstone Road (from 6:45 AM)
• Kassier and Inanda Roads (7:00 AM)
• Everton Road and M13 West Bound (7:30 AM)
• Otto Volek and King Cetshwayo Highway (7:45 AM)
• Final closures including Sherwood on-ramp and NMR Avenue (City Bound) will be in effect by 8:30 AM
The city’s traffic management team has confirmed that alternative routes will be clearly marked, and law enforcement officers will be stationed at key intersections to assist with traffic flow and public safety.
Authorities have advised event-goers, commuters, and freight operators to use alternate routes or adjust travel times to avoid congestion. Emergency services will remain operational throughout the day with designated access points unaffected by the closures.
