The average pace needed to finish the Comrades Marathon under the official 12-hour cut-off, based on an approximate distance of 88 km, is 8.10 minutes per kilometre (min/km) or 13.08 minutes per mile (min/mile).
Understanding the Comrades Pace Requirement
Finishing the Comrades Marathon within the strict 12-hour cut-off requires consistent pacing throughout the challenging ultra-marathon. While the exact distance of the Comrades Marathon can vary slightly between "Up Run" and "Down Run" years, an 88 km distance is often used as a benchmark for calculating the required average pace.
It's important to understand that this average pace accounts for the entire duration of the race, including any brief stops for aid, hydration, or walking sections. Many runners find that maintaining this pace means they will be running at a faster speed at times and walking at others, especially on hills or during later stages of the race.
Required Average Pace
To meet the 12-hour cut-off, runners must average the following paces:
| Measurement Unit | Average Pace |
|---|---|
| Kilometres | 8.10 min/km |
| Miles | 13.08 min/mile |
This pace might seem relatively slow compared to standard marathon or shorter distance paces. However, the Comrades Marathon is a brutal test of endurance, featuring significant elevation changes and requiring a strategic approach to conserve energy over many hours. Runners often incorporate planned walking breaks, particularly on steep inclines, which are factored into this overall average. The ability to manage these walk breaks effectively and maintain a consistent effort is key to crossing the finish line before the cut-off gun.
