Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon - a combination of physical prowess, endurance and determination mixed with sweat, blisters and tears of joy and pain. It's no wonder that this historic 90 kilometre road race has garnered a reputation for being the world's greatest ultra-marathon.

World War One veteran, Vic Clapham, was the man who envisaged the first Comrades Marathon. Through this gruelling test of stamina, Clapham hoped to commemorate fellow South-Africans who died at war. His vision was realised in 1921 when the first race was run. Today, the annual Comrades Marathon continues to cover the 90 kilometre distance between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, and it remains a firm favourite amongst thousands of South-African and international runners alike.

Comrades Marathon Route Direction

The direction of the Comrades Marathon rotates every year between the "up' and "down' run. The 2010 race on the 30th of May is set to be an "up' run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, and entrants will have five major uphill battles as indicated by the route's name. Runners and supporters are advised to make their logistical plans early in the year, as Comrades Marathon car hire and accommodation fills up very quickly over this period.