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Comrades Marathon

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Comrades Marathon
The Comrades Marathon logo
DateMay / June
LocationDurban / Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Event typeRoad
DistanceUltramarathon (90 km)
Established1921; 104 years ago (1921)
Course records
Official siteThe Comrades Marathon
2025 Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon is an ultramarathon of approximately 88 kilometres (55 mi)[1] which is run annually in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon race.[2] The direction of the race alternates each year between the "up" run (87.6km) starting from Durban (elevation: 101 metres (331 ft)) and the "down" run (87.7km) starting from Pietermaritzburg (elevation: 921 metres (3,022 ft)).

South African runners constitute the greater part of the field, but many entrants hail from the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, India, the United States, Brazil, Australia, Botswana, Russia, Eswatini and Japan.[3][4] In all but three editions since 1988, over 10,000 runners have reached the finish within the allowed 11 or 12 hours.[5] With increased participation since the 1980s, the average finish times for both sexes, and the average age of finishers have increased substantially.[6]

The spirit of the Comrades Marathon is said to be embodied by attributes of camaraderie, selflessness, dedication, perseverance, and ubuntu.[7]

Course

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Course of the ultramarathon

The race is run on the roads of KwaZulu-Natal province, marked by "The Big Five" set of hills. On the up run they appear in the following order: Cowies Hill, Fields Hill, Botha's Hill, Inchanga, and Polly Shortts. The highest point of the race, at 2,850 feet (870 m) above sea level, is situated near the Umlaas Road interchange. Approximately 40 official refreshment stations along the route are stocked with soft drinks, water sachets, energy drink sachets, fruit, biscuits, energy bars, cooked potatoes and other refreshments.[8] About eight physiotherapy and first aid stations are also located at strategic points.[9]

Runners in Kloof during the 2023 Comrades Marathon

History

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Main article: History of the Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon, first held on 24 May 1921, is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious ultramarathons. Conceived by World War I veteran Vic Clapham to honour fallen soldiers, the race was intended as a test of endurance and resilience.[10] Apart from brief interruptions during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), it has taken place annually. Over 300,000 runners have completed the grueling course between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, alternating annually between the "up" and "down" routes.[5]

The early decades of the race saw significant individual achievements and growing popularity. Bill Rowan won the first edition in 1921, and Arthur Newton dominated the 1920s with five wins.[11] Women were initially unofficial participants—Frances Hayward ran in 1923 without formal entry.[12] The 1930s were defined by runners like Hardy Ballington and Wally Hayward, with the latter continuing his legacy into the 1950s and eventually becoming the oldest finisher at age 80 in 1989.

A bust of Wally Hayward displayed in the Comrades House

The 1940s introduced traditions like Max Trimborn’s rooster crow at the start, which replaced the starter's gun and remains part of the race to this day. From the 1960s through the 1980s, the Comrades expanded significantly. The race opened to international competitors and, in 1975, officially welcomed black runners and women with Vincent Rakabele becoming the first black runner to officially win a medal and Elizabeth Cavanaugh becoming the first official women's winner. Milestones included Bruce Fordyce’s nine titles and Frith van der Merwe’s remarkable women's course record in 1989. The 1980s also marked the emergence of black champions like Sam Tshabalala and pioneering black female finishers like Olive Anthony.[13] [14] Television coverage, increased participation, and record-breaking performances made this era foundational for the race’s modern stature.

Comrades Marathon House, the CMA's headquarters in Pietermaritzburg where race statistics and memorabilia are kept[15]

In the 1990s and 2000s, the Comrades became more global and professional. Prize money was introduced in 1995, attracting elite international athletes. The race date shifted from Republic Day to Youth Day, reflecting South Africa’s changing political context. The 2000 race drew nearly 24,000 entrants to celebrate the 75th anniversary, and in 2010, the event entered the Guinness World Records for most finishers in an ultramarathon.[16][17] Runners like Leonid Shvetsov (2007 & 2008) and David Gatebe (2016) set course records, while athletes such as Stephen Muzhingi and the Russian identical twin sisters Olesya and Elena Nurgalieva dominating multiple editions - the sisters winning 10 races between them.[18]

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Comrades returned in 2022 with a capped field and the slogan "The Return – Sishay' Ibuya."[19]

Rules

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Runners over the age of 20 are eligible to qualify after completion of an officially recognised marathon (42.2 km) in under 4:50 (5 hours before 2019).[20] During the event an athlete must also reach five cut-off points in specified times to complete the race.[1]

Athletes currently have 12 hours to complete the course, extended from 11 hours in 2003 (including a special 12 hour allowance in the year 2000). The original Comrades cut-off time from 1921 to 1927 was also 12 hours, reduced to 11 hours in 1928. There are a number of cut-off points along the routes which runners must reach by a prescribed time or be forced to retire from the race. A runner who successfully completed nine marathons wears a yellow number, while those who completed ten races wear a green number, permanently allocated to the runner for all future races. Runners running their 20th, 30th and 40th races are also indicated by yellow numbers – differently formatted on different years.

Medals

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Vic Clapham medal from the 2023 Comrades Marathon, awarded to finishers who complete the race between 11:00:00 and 11:59:59

Medals are awarded to all runners completing the course in under 12 hours. Medals are currently awarded as follows:

Medals awarded in the Comrades Marathon
Medal Time Range / Criteria Design Notes
Gold Top 10 men and top 10 women Solid gold-coloured Awarded to the first ten finishers in each gender category.
Wally Hayward 11th place to sub-6:00 (men only) Silver centre with gold ring Introduced in 2007. Named after five-time winner Wally Hayward. Often rarer than a gold medal.
Isavel Roche-Kelly 11th place to sub-7:00 (women only, as of 2024) Silver centre with gold ring Introduced in 2019. Named after the first woman to break 7h30. Cut-off reduced from 7h30 to 7h00 in 2024.
Silver 6:00 to sub-7:30 (men); also women from 2024 onward Solid silver-coloured Awarded to runners just outside elite level. Reinstated for women in 2024.
Bill Rowan 7:30 to sub-9:00 Bronze centre with silver ring Introduced in 2000. Named after the inaugural 1921 winner who ran 8:59.
Robert Mtshali 9:00 to sub-10:00 Titanium Introduced in 2019. Honours the first unofficial black participant (1935) who ran 9h30.
Bronze 10:00 to sub-11:00 Solid bronze-coloured Traditional medal for those finishing solidly within the cut-off.
Vic Clapham 11:00 to sub-12:00 Copper Introduced in 2003 when cut-off was extended to 12 hours. Named after the race founder.
Back-to-Back Awarded to novices who complete their second race consecutively Dual medal design Introduced in 2005. For runners completing an 'up' and 'down' run in successive years.

Traditions

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The Comrades Marathon has several long-standing traditions that are central to its identity. One of the most notable is the annual alternation between the “up” run and the “down” run, with each route offering distinct physical challenges.

At the start line, runners observe a set sequence: the South African National Anthem is played, Shosholoza is sung, Chariots of Fire by Vangelis is played, a recording of Max Trimborn’s rooster crow is played, and then the starting gun is fired.[21] [22]

About halfway into the race, runners pass Arthur’s Seat, a small recess in the bank near Drummond. It is believed to have been a race-day resting spot for five-time winner Arthur Newton. Tradition holds that greeting "Arthur" or placing a flower there brings good luck for the second half of the race.[23]

As they enter the final straight, the leading man and woman are given a scroll bearing a goodwill message from the mayor of the starting city to the mayor of the finishing city, symbolizing the link between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. In addition, each of the top 10 male and female finishers is handed a red rose as they enter the finishing straight.[24]

At the end, the 12-hour cutoff is strictly enforced. A gun is fired exactly at the time limit, and runners who haven’t finished are not counted as official finishers. Immediately after, The Last Post is played live by a lone bugler to mark the close of the event.[25]

Results

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Main article: List of winners of the Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon results show over a century of competitive endurance running. Bill Rowan won the first race in 1921 in 8:59:00, and Arthur Newton dominated the 1920s with five wins. Wally Hayward and Bruce Fordyce became major figures, with Hayward winning five times across the 1930s to 1950s, and Fordyce winning nine times in the 1980s. The women’s race, officially recognised from 1975, saw standout performances like Frith van der Merwe’s 5:54:43 in 1989, a record that stood for decades. In the 2000s, Russian athletes Elena and Olesya Nurgalieva were dominant, winning most races between 2003 and 2015.

From 2014 onwards, South African athletes began winning more consistently. Bongmusa Mthembu won three titles, and David Gatebe set the men’s down run record of 5:18:19 in 2016. Gerda Steyn has become the leading figure in the women’s field, breaking the down run record in 2023 (5:44:54) and the up run record in 2024 (5:49:46). On the men’s side, Dutch runner Piet Wiersma won in 2024 and finished second in 2023, just three seconds behind the record. Since the end of COVID-related cancellations in 2020 and 2021, the race has returned with faster times and stronger fields, both local and international.

Records and statistics

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Main article: Records and Statistics of the Comrades Marathon
Elena Nurgalieva leading at the 65 kilometres (40 mi) mark in the 2012 Comrades

The Comrades Marathon's fastest recorded times are 5:13:58 for men (Tete Dijana, 2023 down run) and 5:44:54 for women (Gerda Steyn, 2023 down run). Steyn also holds the up-run record, becoming the first woman to break 6 hours with her 5:49:46 in 2024. The most gold medals earned by a male athlete is 30 by Bruce Fordyce, while Frith van der Merwe holds the women's record with 11.

The race also highlights endurance over decades. Barry Holland and Louis Massyn have each completed 49 Comrades Marathons — the most in history — with Massyn on track to reach 50 first. The oldest known finisher remains Wally Hayward, who completed the race at age 80 in 1989, 58 years after his first win.

Waypoints

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Map all coordinates using OpenStreetMap

Download coordinates as:

Course waypoints and distances
Landmark Distance Location
Pietermaritzburg City Hall: down run 5:30 starting point 0 km 29°36′07″S 30°22′46″E / 29.60194°S 30.37944°E / -29.60194; 30.37944 (Pietermaritzburg City Hall)
Scottsville racecourse: up run finish till 17:30 0 km 29°36′42″S 30°23′56″E / 29.61167°S 30.39889°E / -29.61167; 30.39889 (Scottsville racecourse)
Polly Shortts (summit): up run 16:40 cutoff 7 km 29°39′17″S 30°25′34″E / 29.65472°S 30.42611°E / -29.65472; 30.42611 (Polly Shortts (top))
Polly Shortts (bottom) 9 km 29°39′30″S 30°26′32″E / 29.65833°S 30.44222°E / -29.65833; 30.44222 (Polly Shortts (bottom))
Ashburton (Little Pollys) 10 km 29°40′02″S 30°26′51″E / 29.66722°S 30.44750°E / -29.66722; 30.44750 (Ashburton)
Lion Park: down run 8:00 cutoff 14 km 29°41′41″S 30°29′22″E / 29.69472°S 30.48944°E / -29.69472; 30.48944 (Lion Park)
Highest point (2,850 ft / 870 m): up run 15:00 cutoff 18 km 29°42′50″S 30°29′43″E / 29.71389°S 30.49528°E / -29.71389; 30.49528 (Highest point)
Camperdown 25 km 29°43′41″S 30°32′27″E / 29.72806°S 30.54083°E / -29.72806; 30.54083 (Camperdown)
Cato Ridge: up run 13:40, down run 9:50 cutoffs 30 km 29°43′59″S 30°35′25″E / 29.73306°S 30.59028°E / -29.73306; 30.59028 (Cato Ridge)
Harrison Flats 32 km 29°43′37″S 30°36′42″E / 29.72694°S 30.61167°E / -29.72694; 30.61167 (Harrison Flats)
Ethembeni School 34 km 29°43′31″S 30°39′15″E / 29.72528°S 30.65417°E / -29.72528; 30.65417 (Ethembeni School)
Inchanga (summit) 37 km 29°44′40″S 30°40′41″E / 29.74444°S 30.67806°E / -29.74444; 30.67806 (Inchanga)
Halfway mark Drummond: up, down run 11:40 cutoffs 43 km 29°44′58″S 30°42′08″E / 29.74944°S 30.70222°E / -29.74944; 30.70222 (Halfway mark, Drummond)
Arthur's Seat 44 km 29°45′13″S 30°42′21″E / 29.75361°S 30.70583°E / -29.75361; 30.70583 (Arthur's Seat)
Wall of Honour 45 km 29°45′15″S 30°42′27″E / 29.75417°S 30.70750°E / -29.75417; 30.70750 (Wall of Honour)
Alverstone 47 km 29°45′32″S 30°43′19″E / 29.75889°S 30.72194°E / -29.75889; 30.72194 (Alverstone)
Botha's Hill (summit) 49 km 29°44′56″S 30°44′12″E / 29.74889°S 30.73667°E / -29.74889; 30.73667 (Botha's Hill)
Kearsney College 51 km 29°45′30″S 30°45′08″E / 29.75833°S 30.75222°E / -29.75833; 30.75222 (Kearsney College)
Hillcrest 54 km 29°46′48″S 30°45′49″E / 29.78000°S 30.76361°E / -29.78000; 30.76361 (Hillcrest)
Winston Park: up run 10:00, down run 13:30 cutoffs 56 km 29°47′39″S 30°47′06″E / 29.79417°S 30.78500°E / -29.79417; 30.78500 (Winston Park)
Kloof 61 km 29°47′28″S 30°49′58″E / 29.79111°S 30.83278°E / -29.79111; 30.83278 (Kloof)
Fields Hill 64 km 29°47′38″S 30°50′57″E / 29.79389°S 30.84917°E / -29.79389; 30.84917 (Fields Hill)
Pinetown: up run 08:10, down run 14:50 cutoffs 67 km 29°49′01″S 30°52′00″E / 29.81694°S 30.86667°E / -29.81694; 30.86667 (Pinetown)
Cowies Hill (summit) 72 km 29°49′45″S 30°53′09″E / 29.82917°S 30.88583°E / -29.82917; 30.88583 (Cowies Hill)
Westville 78 km 29°49′57″S 30°55′56″E / 29.83250°S 30.93222°E / -29.83250; 30.93222 (Westville)
45th Cutting: down run 16:30 cutoff 80 km 29°49′58″S 30°58′07″E / 29.83278°S 30.96861°E / -29.83278; 30.96861 (45th Cutting)
Durban City Hall: up run 5:30 starting point 87 km 29°51′29″S 31°01′32″E / 29.85806°S 31.02556°E / -29.85806; 31.02556 (Durban City Hall)
Moses Mabhida Stadium: down run finish till 17:30 90 km 29°49′40″S 31°01′50″E / 29.82778°S 31.03056°E / -29.82778; 31.03056 (Moses Mabhida Stadium)

Health issues

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As with every ultramarathon, there are potentially lethal health risks involved in extreme physical events. In the history of the Comrades, there have been 8 deaths up to the 2022 event.[26] In a survey among a sample of 2005 participants, 25% reported cramps, 18% nausea, 8% vomiting, 13% dizziness, 3% diarrhoea, 23% pain, excluding the expected sore legs, and 14% reported fatigue of such a nature that they believed themselves to be incapable of continuing the race.[6] Among silver medalists there was a higher incidence of cramps (42.9%), nausea (21.4%) and diarrhoea (7.1%), though a lower incidence of pain and fatigue than the average runner.

Charts

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  • Comrades runners per age group[4]
    Comrades runners per age group[4]
  • Finishers as a function of age and number of medals
    Finishers as a function of age and number of medals
  • Recent winners
    Recent winners
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The Long Run was a 2001 film set in 1999, in which a retired running coach trains a woman for the race.[27] 'Comrades' was a 2008 film about seven diverse runners attempting the race.[28]

Notes

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References

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  1. ^ a b Comrades: Route cut-off times, 2012, archived from the original on 24 June 2012, retrieved 24 June 2012
  2. ^ "Longest Running Ultramarathons". ARRS. ARRS.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference iol1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b "20 Fun Facts About The 2019 Comrades Marathon". Runner's World. 7 June 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  5. ^ a b "Comrades 90 km". Association of Road Racing Statisticians. Retrieved 25 May 2009.
  6. ^ a b Weight, Lindsay (2005). "How to run the Comrades". alsoranrunners.info. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
  7. ^ "2013 Cathsseta Spirit of Comrades Award". comrades.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  8. ^ Richards, Travis (9 June 2019). "Nine tons of bananas as Comrades Marathon slips into gear". eNCA. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  9. ^ "2019 branded route map" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 June 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  10. ^ Crockett, Davy (8 June 2021). "Comrades Marathon – 100 years old". Ultrarunning History. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
  11. ^ Crockett, Davy (8 June 2021). "Comrades Marathon – 100 years old". Ultrarunning History. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
  12. ^ Aerni, John. "Why Comrades Is the Greatest". Running Times Magazine. Retrieved 25 May 2009.
  13. ^ Sukhdeo, Jerusha (22 May 2010). "Comrades a family affair". News24. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  14. ^ Mamabolo, Matshelane. "30 years ago, when Sam was the man at Comrades". IOL. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  15. ^ "Comrades Marathon House, encounter south africa". Archived from the original on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
  16. ^ "Comrades a record breaker". Sport24. 19 October 2010.
  17. ^ "Comrades marathon sets new Guinness world record". Gomulti. 19 October 2010. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011.
  18. ^ Jorberg, Randolf (24 May 2009). "Comrades Marathon 2009 results". Runner.co.za. Archived from the original on 4 June 2010. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
  19. ^ "Comrades Marathon Official Marathon Travel Partner".
  20. ^ Comrades: General rules and information, 2012, archived from the original on 19 June 2012, retrieved 24 June 2012
  21. ^ "Comrades Marathon Wall of Honour and Arthur's Seat". The Saunter. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  22. ^ "Interesting facts about the Comrades Marathon". The Citizen. 13 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  23. ^ "Comrades Marathon Wall of Honour and Arthur's Seat". The Saunter. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  24. ^ "Interesting facts about the Comrades Marathon". The Citizen. 13 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  25. ^ "Interesting facts about the Comrades Marathon". The Citizen. 13 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  26. ^ Marathon deaths 'potentially preventable' by Chris Bateman (fulltext pdf)
  27. ^ The Long Run at IMDb.
  28. ^ Comrades, retrieved 2 March 2019

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