Comrades Marathon (88km) - Race Reviews

The entire experience is superb both for runners and spectators. There are very few other races (ultra marathons) that can compare with the organisation. Hats off to the spectators from start to finish. Without them very few of us would finish.

My second Comrades, first was 2011. This has only gotten better. This is a tough course, and 88km (55miles) makes for a long day at the office. Comrades humbles the proud and rewards the prepared. There is no event I have done that is better.

My first comrades being waiting for 26 years for this chance and I am so looking forward tobe part of this race I am from south africa and I am 36years old,

All the cliches about this race are true, it is the ultimate human race. The route is relentless (but picturesque). However, the support and organisation is on a par with the big city marathons and even more impressive when you think there is not a quite spot on the entire 89km route. Put quite simply - you are not a proper runner until you have run a Comrades - everything else pales in comparison!

Organization the day of the race, in one word: Awesome! And I have to say that for an international, this means a lot! It all begins at number pick up, where you get all the instructions and a booklet with all the information about the race, including how many refreshment tables will be on the route and what kind of products you are going to find in each one... You also get the information about buying the bus ticket to make the route in bus on Friday morning before the race, with guides who explains you everything about it.(If you have family, don´t worry...you can buy tickets for them too.) If you are international runner, they also ask you if you want to buy special tickets for your family to go to the finish line the day of the race, and other tickets to stay in a special tent where they can eat and drink beverages while waiting, and where they can check how is going on with their runner in computers. The day of the race is just THE DAY: 47 refreshment tables with water, Energade (like Powerade),Pepsi, in some of them potatoes, bananas, oranges, biscuits, power gels and a lot of other things that runners need. In some of them the supporters gave you vaseline, spray sunblock to you, and even gives you massages... I have been in Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami, and I have not seen this level of support for the runner!!! And let's talk about the spectators: can´t be better... A lot of people in most part of the route, where they can have access..., giving support, calling your name and your Country, no words...! And what about the South African runners? All the route they give support to the international runners, giving advices and words that gives you spirit and strength! And during the race, your friends can see your advance during the race and your splits on the website...and you can have your finish time almost at the moment you arrive... The only cons that I can say is the information on the web site, that most of the time was not update. It also gives little information for the international runners, specially about what facilities you have for the people who is giving you support the day of the race (family, friends, etc.). And the confirmation process of your entry is really slow... but this is nothing compares to the pros... And if you need help, you can contact to the ambassadors of the race: very kindly people who in a voluntary way helps others planning their Comrades race (emails are on the web). The course is hard, because the hills are very long and they appear through all the course... But that's part of it's beauty! And for South Africa, this is the RACE, so the days before and after the race, the Comrades Spirits will really gets to you, everybody and everything has to be with Comrades!! I really recommend this race for any one who likes to enjoy something different!!!

This was my first Comrades Marathon. After a month I am still feeling the beats of finish line. The runners, the spectators, organization amazing. It is tough marathon. This year it was up run. It requires a tough hill training. I did in 10:48 hrs. Hills on the routes are really tough and one have to keep cool on the hills. One thing I can share, don't feel shy to walk if you are not sub 8 hrs finishers. People in South Africa treat this event as a festival. I definitely want to come again.

Comrades is a great race, no matter how old or young you are. Don't take this race lightly. On the day of the race, it is a matter of formalities. Don't try to impress anyone. if you don't feel well, stop running. It's not a cause for shame; you are still a hero. It takes guts just to get to the start, that's all....

This was my first enjoyable race that I have ever run. It also gives me the courage of knowing that I am one of the best in the world of running. I wish to run this amazing human race for the rest of my running life. The spectators are the most encouraging aspects of this lovely race. Long live the Comrades Marathon.

Underestimate the Comrades at your peril, just as I did. The first half was the best and most enjoyable run I have ever done. I went off too fast. The second half was agony; I walked the last 10K in extreme agony. But the finish was wonderful. I still feel the achievement with me three months later. It took six weeks plus for my legs to recover. This is a must-do event before you die or hang up your running shoes.

Comrades has it all - a great course, good organization, and fantastic support, history, and tradition. In short, a great experience; it's not easy, but the sense of achievement on completion is immense. Possibly the best footrace on the planet.

Seriously consider hosting the race at the end of May - perhaps on a fixed date, such as the last Sunday in May. I would like the CMA to remain in May.

I ran in 1998, and it was an experience that I will never forget. The atmosphere was brilliant. I would love to complete another Comrades.

The finishing point is amazing. This is the ultimate human race -- the Comrades Marathon.

I've been dreaming of running this super race since I've started to run. My first marathon was in 2005, and my preparation and developments since then have been rewarded. The Comrades is magnificent, the organization is impeccable, and the wonderful and difficult journey and fans are exceptional. The support along the route and the great aid during the race made it my best ever. My plan to complete it in under 9 hours was also successful: 8:27 of pure fun and joy.

I want to congratulate all of the people involved in this year's event. Firstly, I was impressed by the kilometer marking; I think every kilometer from the 3rd to the last was marked. That is outstanding, but I think you have to review the new rule of not helping people to cross the line. This is nonsense. You have to change it; please, change that rule or change the name of the race. Thank you.

I am an asthmatic. I ran in order to help raise funds for charity. It was tough, but I have done it as my 2nd and i was rewarded by getting a back-to-back medal after finishing it.

This race is for marking in all the life. I completed in 2004. After 3 years, I came back to complete in 2007, because it is sensational. The first one was the "uphill." I trained very hard. In preparation, I covered more than 2,150 KM in 5 months. The average for training is more than 100 KM for month. And, I dedicated more than 250 hours in that training period. But I am certain that the 7 marathons made in the previous year counted towards my preparation. Comrades is special - much adrenalin. Very good to be able to run a ultra-marathon of this level. It is not easy to face. Many things can happen in 87 KM. Everything is a blessing. When you approach the city, you can run better due to the energy of the people who are applauding all time. I remember all of it. The end is fantastic. It is impossible to leave and not to be thankful. I cried with joy. People learn a lot at the Comrades. In 2005, I had that to have a small surgery to eliminate cardiac arrhythmia. I recovered quickly, and trained again in 2006. In 2007, I trained seriously again. I decided to submit to the challenge of the Comrades. I surpassed it easily, and I gained the Down Hill medal, now with 89.3 KM. And, I also gained the back-to-back medal, because I completed the Up Run and a Down Run. I recommend it to all of my running friends. I recommend making time in your life to have this experience. - Antenor Sakamoto - 22592, from BRAZIL.

I have just read with great interest the above articles on the Comrades Marathon. To say the least they made me feel so 'homesick'. The last time I ran this race was in 1998 and this was my 14th time. I used to live in Durban and am now living in London. This year I managed to get a charity place in the London Marathon. I enjoyed the London very much - lots of support but it just wasn't the same as Comrades. It was good to see that Comrades had a stand at Excel which was the registering centre for the London Marathon and to see their video and many of my old acquaintances was just wonderful and brought back many many happy memories. There can't possibly be a better race in the world than Kwa Zulu Natal's Comrades Marathon. Please keep it like this.

I ran in the "down course" in 2005, and it was by far the most fantastic running expereince of my life! The race is held on a South African holiday: "Youth Day." The national coverage can't be beat - every runner is a hero who covers the distance. The course is absolutly amazing, and filled with beautiful scenery and the most challenging mountains to run up. Expo in Durban was just great: a must is to attend the seminars on "how to handle and run the course." The aid stations were plentiful, and the support on the course was first-rate. A most challenging ultra marathon - not to be taken lightly. I was very lucky to run the second half of the run with a gentleman who kept pace for many miles, and we certainly agree with the naming of this race: "Comrades" - as you never really do run alone. The fellow runners are just amazing. Every runner should do this race "at least once in their lifetime." The South African hospitality is awesome, and the reception all international runners recieve is unbelievable: a private bus tour the day before; tea reception at the Comrades Museum; and a guided tour mile by mile. All distances are metric and reversed from the start. Good luck to all Comrades runners in the 2006 "up" race.

I started running Comrades in 2001; I had flu just 2 days before the race so I went ahead and ran. Big mistake! I couldn't make it on time to halfway, I was a few seconds out, which was a blessing in disguise because if I continued I would have suffered. The following year I ran again but I stopped at 37 KM; I tried again 2003 and I made it in 11:52, which I was very happy with. In 2004 I ran again, but stopped at 3 KM to go due to a hip injury and I had less than 15 minutes to go, so I decided to get into Imperial. Last year I did it again, completed it in 11:56, dragging my leg to the finish. I'm going to miss it this year due to the hip injury again. I had my reservations when I did Two Oceans; I said I would do Comrades if I ran well in Two Oceans. But I didn't run well, so I will have to miss it, but next year I'm in the game. I enjoy Comrades so much that even if I don't feel 100% fit, I still go and do it just for the fun of it; the camaraderie, the support from people on the road is tremendous. Keep up the good work!

Comrades is an awesome experience; the spectators, the course and the camaraderie between the runners makes it a very special day. Not to be taken lightly!

I ran this in 2005 - it took me 11 hours & 15 minutes. Great day. Aiming to do the 'up' in 2006.

As a lifetime running experience, this is probably it. It has 90 KM's of huge hills, steep descents and long, never-ending flat stretches. This is a race that will test not only your legs, but your mental tenacity. Expect temperatures of about 30 degrees C when the sun it up. Enjoy the best, most inspiring spectator support you will ever receive in a race - these people get up at 5:00 in the morning to catch the frontrunners and pack up their bags when the last runner has passed them. Picture a stadium resonating with the sound of cheering when you eventually cross the line. A truly inspirational race that will leave your running career changed for life. I have completed 14 and will continue to run it for as long as my body holds out. Thirty completed races is my target, so I am only about halfway through the challenge. Good luck....

I moved to SA in 1990 from UK and had never done any running before apart from team sports. I took up running in 1992 and have not stopped since. Running is an ongoing activity in my my life due to my time in SA. On successfully finishing a standard marathon which was my initial goal, I decided to do Comrades as I had watched a couple as a spectator and thought, "Why not have a go?" I am glad I did, and I did my first in 1994 and have sucessfully completed 5 in total. I am so proud to be able to say that I have completed this magnificent road race even though it was the toughest event I have ever done. The sense of achievement will be very difficult to surpass - I truly believe this. The support from the spectators is something that can never be underestimated as it is such a source of strength and encouragement and they are always there in huge numbers. I have since left left SA and moved back to my native Ireland with my family. I tell people about this event and they find it difficult to believe that people run this race year in and year out. I have such wonderful memories of this event - the physical demands, the elation on finishing, 4 silver medals and a bronze to show for it. Forever a grateful Comrades runner, Tim McCarthy

I ran Comrades in 2003, and plan on running it again in 2005--this time, I want to break nine hours and wear a Bill Rowan medal for the rest of my life. Obviously, running Comrades isn't just something you decide to do, because you've got a spot open on your calender for June 16th. If you're going to go to all the expense & effort to run Comrades (esp. for the international runners), you're making a real commitment. I'm not going to wax on & on about what a great race this is. Suffice it to say, it lives up to all the hype & then some. South Africa itself is also thrilling. If you are old enough to have any memory about what S.A. was like during apartheid (even if you've never been there), the progress in the last ten years is nothing short of miraculous. If you are even remotely considering this race, go for it. Here's some advice that I wish I knew ahead of time. First, S.A. currency is restricted. There is a fairly open 'black market' of people who will exchange your dollars for rand (SA currency), but you're better off without the hassle. Instead, go ahead & convert as much currency as you think you'll need, then keep your extra cash in either a hotel or room safe. Don't even bother with travelers' checks. Stay in a bed & breakfast, as opposed to a 'tourist' motel. In Cape Town, I stayed at a B&B with an English couple, and Durban I stayed with a Dutch/Afrikaner. The slightly different perspectives were interesting, but they were equal in gracious hospitality. If you go to S.A., and do not take the tour of Robbin Island, where Nelson Mandela & other political prisoners were held, there is no hope for you. the island has **great** WWII history, amazing fauna, and great guides. If you can, go towards the end of the day. The tours are less rushed, and you can see more stuff. The whole look & feel of Cape Town is Southern California, but during the late sixties--before the constant building booms. In 2003, the exchange rate for US dollars to rand was very favorable. I'd say I ate like a king, but I really mean pig. In both quality & quantity, I ate meals that would be seventy (US) where I live, but were less than twenty (US). One note on training--it's tough to find, but Fordyce's book 'Running the Comrades' really is the best guide. Although, I also used Noakes Lore of Running, and the book from Ultrarunners (I think) 'A Step Beyond.' But once you're in S.A., get out and see the country--read the literature. Charles Bosworth... I'm going to have to edit this... is great. If you're an American, and you're going to be there in 2005, let me know. Coffee's on me.

After watching this race on TV year after year, I was always inspired by each and everyone - from all walks of life. Just knowing this was something that I had to do, I traveled to Durban in 1998 to watch and support a friend. It was clear that the next year I would be there. (Get to the start). Never doubting my ability to complete this race, I knew I would be a winner by just doing it. It was an amazing experience and one that I will treasure forever. The finish was just something unreal, the crowd support, simply unbelievable. Now living in the USA, I am delighted to be able track the event on-line, and in doing so, I share the pain and glory of all. Still need to do the down run, so, when the opportunity allows, I'll be back - for sure !

I have run races all over the world including New York Marathon, London Marathon, Paris Marathon, Sydney Marathon, Barcelona Marathon and more than 50 others, but Comrades beats them all by miles. Best organization, atmosphere and crowd support. And the feeling when running into the finishing area cannot be beaten anywhere.

Come to South Africa to experience more than a race but a life challenge. Whether running up to Pietermaritzburg or the reverse down to Durban, it's a challenge you will remember forever. People will look at you with a strange and confused look - you ran how far!! Only 88 km's.

greetings fellow runners I have run a mere 5 Comrades (1979-1983) but have lived at various places along it's route. In training, I got to know almost every inch (sorry centimeter) of the road; every bump; every uneven surface or crumbling macadam - every possible relief point. The emotions that this event - nay experience, has evoked in me, is beyond words. I have smiled and laughed and puked and died many a time along this arduous but scenic route. Regardless of the pain and suffereing, I have never failed to cross the finishing line in a tremendous sprint. But most of all; let us not forget the camaradarie of not only my or our own clubs (Spartan Harriers - 1979-80; Savages - 1981, Rocky Road Runners -1982-83) but of the thousands of fellow runners - some speedsters, some plodders some just out to have a good time; everyone with a courage and determination - to be at one with humanity. Let us not forget 'Brucey' and the magic he brought to the race, or Manie Khun, Alan Robb, Hosea Tsale, Chris Mkize, the duo of Graeme Fraser & Tony Abbott, Derrick Tivers, Dave Wright, Liege Boulle, Clive Crawley, Cheryl Jorgensen, Ralie Smit, Helen Lucre, Lise Warren and others who became our hares/rabbits - hero's. Who will forget those mad-men from Yellowood Athletic Club who ran on beer alone for their fluid intake, followed by a full-blown breakfast at Drummond Inn. Who will forget the Gunga Din trophy which Hillcrest Harriers believed to be theirs - only to be lent out to Germiston or RAC(Rand Athletic Club) Those were indeed the magic years of Comrades. Who will forget the year that they tried to include Comrades as part of the Republic of South Africa celebrations, when Bruce Fordyce wore his black armband in protest; where I was threatened with bodily harm by my several fellow savages club members, if I followed suit. Who will forget that indelible 11th hour, when Mick Winn turned his back on the oncoming runners, before he fired that damning gun-shot - ending the race for all . . . (what, 13 hour cut-off now; what are we coming to . . . ?) It mattered little, whether I finished half-way down the pack or closer to the bottom; every year was a winners year for me, as it was for every one of the 15-24 thousand runners each year. How can we forget the thousands upon thousands of people who lined the route from Kloof to Camperdown - many from deep within valley of 1000 hills, who welcomed us all with great smiles and words of encouragement. Just being part of this illustrious event is enough to make oneself feel proud. Owen R. Greenland (a.k.a. Sharif Shah-Bilal) Washington, DC

I ran this race in 2000, with 24 000 other runners. It's for me the most incredible race I have ever done. Months and months of training to get ready for the 16th of june. The start in the dark very early in the morning is amazing. The support from spectators was also incredible all along the 87 kms. It links 2 cities Durban and Pietermaritzburg, in Natal. The race is either up-hill or down hill, it changes every year, 2000 was up-hill starting from durban (0 to 800 meter high), so 2001 will be down-hill, faster but harder for the legs. Passing the finish line is a unique sensation that I still remenber now and for long... a must for all marathon runners. But get prepare for a extreme physical challenge. At least 800 kms of running before the race is a minimum to be sure to 'enjoy' it. It is worth the effort without any doubt.

My boyfriend and I picked this race as our first ultra and to celebrate 2000. I thought it would be fun to put USA and my hometown on my singlet to let other runners that may be from the US know that we were too. I was so surprised to hear tens of thousands, and I'm not exaggerating, of spectators cheering us on. 'Go Yankees!', 'Go USA!', 'Go America', 'Go Lady!'. I've never witnessed such enthusiastic and warm-hearted people as those along the course in South Africa. The countryside was beautiful, Durban is a great beach town, and Comrades is a great way to experience the South African culture.

More water and food for back runners would be great. 24 000 was a big ask, and all in all in was quite good, but I would prefer to run the race with less runners and an 11hr cut off.