PICK OF THE SPORT: Thousands of runners will hit the road on Sunday for the 2025 Comrades Marathon down run, an 89km test of endurance, heart and history from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, writes Dylan Bettencourt.
The Ultimate Human Race returns this weekend as thousands of runners take on the 2025 Comrades Marathon. This year’s edition is the classic “down run” from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, a punishing 89km stretch of tarmac that rewards rhythm, resilience, and relentless pacing. Starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, this legendary route is known for its quad-crushing descents and iconic support along the way. With a 12-hour cut-off and nearly 20,000 runners expected, South Africans across the country will be cheering on both elite athletes and everyday heroes chasing their own finish line moment.
Comrades Marathon
Sunday, 9 June
Start: Pietermaritzburg City Hall, 05:30
Finish: Durban, Kingsmead Stadium (Approx. 89km)
➜ Back on the rugby pitch, South Africa is guaranteed a place in the United Rugby Championship final because it’s Bulls vs Sharks in an all-South Africa semi-final showdown.
The Bulls host the Sharks in Pretoria on Saturday evening in a clash that promises fireworks. The Bulls have been strong at home all season and will look to dominate up front, but the Sharks, riding high after a gritty win in Glasgow, won’t roll over. With a spot in the final on the line and bragging rights up for grabs, expect a bruising battle between two of the country’s fiercest rivals.
URC Semi-finals
Saturday, 8 June
Leinster vs Glasgow Warriors, 15:45
Bulls vs Sharks, 18:15
➜ To close it all off, Sunday night delivers a continental football classic as Portugal and Spain face off in the Uefa Nations League 2025 final. Kick-off is at 21:00, but before that, Germany and France meet in the third-place play-off in a heavyweight curtain-raiser.
Uefa Nations League 2025 Fixtures
Sunday, 8 June
3rd Place: Germany vs France, 15:00
Final: Portugal vs Spain, 21:00
Pictured above: The Comrades Marathon.
Image source: @ComradesRace
