Road users travelling along the Comrades Marathon route have been advised to expect significant disruptions and plan alternative routes ahead of Sunday’s race.
The 99th Comrades Marathon Up Run will get underway at Durban City Hall at 5am on Sunday, with thousands of runners set to tackle the gruelling 89-kilometre journey to Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
Durban Metro Police have cautioned motorists that extensive road closures will come into effect from midnight on Saturday to accommodate one of South Africa’s largest sporting events.
Metro Police spokesperson Boyzie Zungu said several major routes along the race route will be affected, including Pixley kaSeme Street, Russell Street, sections of the N3 westbound, King Cetshwayo Highway, the M13 through Westville and Kloof, as well as Old Main Road in Hillcrest.
Authorities have urged motorists to avoid the affected areas where possible and allow extra travel time, as heavy traffic congestion and delays are expected throughout the day.
Thousands of athletes and spectators are expected to descend on KwaZulu-Natal for the world-renowned ultra-marathon, which remains one of the province’s biggest annual sporting events.