For many runners, finishing a Comrades Marathon is the ultimate test of endurance and mental strength and few races carry the same emotional significance and prestige. Every year, thousands of athletes gather in KwaZulu-Natal to take on one of the most demanding running challenges.
As one of the most famous ultra marathons in South Africa, it attracts elite international athletes, first time entrants and local club runners.
depending on the route
Getting to grips with the Comrades Marathon distance should be the first step runners consider when considering a new challenge, especially given the months of discipline, preparation and planning that is required.
Of course this is not the only marathon in South Africa, perhaps you should read about them in the ultimate SA marathon guide to decide which one is for you?
The History of the Race
Dating back to 1921, Comrades Marathonwas founded by Vic Clapham, a First World War veteran who felt called to honour fallen soldiers, while also celebrating camaraderie, perseverance and endurance. The inaugural event began with 34 starters, 16 of whom finished the course!
From modest beginnings, the race mushroomed into one of the most famous and respected endurance events anywhere in the world. Today, it is one the most coveted ultra marathons in South Africa attracting participants from dozens of other countries.
Over decades, the race has developed many beloved traditions that remain central to its identity.
For many runners it is not simply a sporting event, but rather a personal journey that tests mental and physical resilience, and interestingly, while the race day is a solo journey, it is often the support and camaraderie of running clubs that prepare the athlete for the day.
1921
First Comrades Marathon
1935
Introduction of the Down Run
1970s
Rapid growth in participation
1981
Bruce Fordyce begins his winning streak
2000s
International participation increases
Today
One of the world's leading ultra marathons
Up Run vs Down Run
One of the unique features of the race is that the route alternates between two directions.
The Up Run
The Comrades route features a series of famous hills that test endurance and pacing strategies. The Up Run travels from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
Although both directions are challenging, many runners consider the Up Run slightly more demanding because of its cumulative climbing.
The Down Run
The Down Run travels from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. While the course descends, runners quickly learn that downhill running has its own challenges. Here, muscle fatigue and the force of impact impact can become significant over such a long distance.
The alternating format means the Comrades route changes from year to year while maintaining its legendary reputation.
The 2026 Route
The 2026 race is scheduled as an Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. This means participants will once again face the climbing challenges synonymous with the race. The expected Comrades Marathon distance remains approximately 89-90 kilometres, although minor route adjustments can affect the final measurement.
When discussing the longest marathon in South Africa, the Up Run often receives particular attention because of its elevation profile.
Elevation Facts
Notable climbs commonly associated with the race include:
These climbs contribute significantly to the reputation of the Comrades route.
Why is the Race So Respected?
Several factors contribute to the elite global status of this event.
First, the Comrades Marathon distance makes it one of the world's great endurance challenges
Second, the event combines athletic achievement with time-tested tradition. The atmosphere, history, atmosphere, and sense of community distinguish it from many other races.
Third, the race attracts both recreational and elite athletes. This combination provides an opportunity for a unique environment where competitors of different abilities share the same experience and the same course.
Ultimately, runners who have completed other ultra marathons in South Africa still regard Comrades as the pinnacle of their running journey.
If major international marathons interest you, consider finding out about Cape Town's growing race reputation and its ambitions within the global marathon community.
Preparing for the Challenge
Understanding how to qualify for Comrades Marathon participation is an important part of the process and athletes must complete a recognised qualifying marathon within a specified time standard before being eligible to enter.
The question of how to qualify for Comrades Marathon participation is usually the starting point for runners moving from standard marathon distances into ultra distance racing.
Preparation for an event like this typically includes:
Many athletes begin their journey by following a planned season of qualifying events that includes longer distance races.
These races provide valuable experience while also helping athletes gauge their readiness for the event. Understanding how to qualify for Comrades Marathon participation allows runners to structure an effective training season and avoid last minute surprises.
Long Distance Preparation
There’s no doubt, training for Comrades differs from preparing for a standard marathon. This can look a lot like long back to back training runs, recovery sessions, hill work and nutrition all playing important roles. The long Comrades Marathon distance means that runners need to prepare for many hours on their feet.
Progressive mileage increases
Hill training
Recovery weeks
Cross training
Race simulation runs
Remember that committing to the longest marathon in South Africa means that consistency is often more important than occasional high-mileage weeks.
If you are looking for qualifying races and training targets throughout the year, don’t forget to check out South Africa's annual road racing calendar.
Traditions and Medals
One of the most coveted aspects of the event is its unique medal system. Unlike many races where every finisher receives the same award, Comrades medals reflect finishing performance and have become highly prized among the athletes.
Major Medal Categories
| Medal | Awarded For |
|---|---|
| Gold Medal | Top finishers |
| Wally Hayward Medal | Outstanding sub 6 hour performances |
| Silver Medal | Fast finishing times |
| Bill Rowan Medal | Finish within prescribed time limits |
| Vic Clapham Medal | Finish between 11 and 12 hours |
The Bill Rowan Medal is named after the winner of the first race in 1921, while the Vic Clapham Medal honours the race founder and represents the achievement of completing one of the world's great endurance events.
These medal traditions contribute to the unique atmosphere that distinguishes the Comrades Marathon from many other races.
Spotlight on Bruce Fordyce
No discussion of the Comrades would be complete without mentioning the achievements of Bruce Fordyce, widely regarded as the greatest runner in the event's history.
Between 1981 and 1990, he won the race nine times, an extraordinary accomplishment within ultra distance running. His success helped elevate the international profile of the race and inspired countless athletes to pursue endurance running.
Many runners still study Fordyce's pacing strategies and training philosophies when preparing for the Comrades route, and his contributions extend beyond his race victories. He remains one of the most respected voices in South African running.
Global Reputation
Today, the event enjoys a reputation that extends far beyond South Africa's borders.
International athletes regularly travel to compete, while running publications frequently rank it among the world's most prestigious endurance events.
The race's combination of history, tradition, community support, and difficulty explains why it remains one of the leading ultra marathons in South Africa.
Many international runners specifically visit South Africa to experience the challenge for themselves.
The race has also played a significant role in showcasing South Africa as a destination for sports tourism.
Alongside major city marathons and other endurance events, it contributes to the country's growing reputation within global distance running.
If you are interested in the broader role that athletic clubs play in developing endurance athletes, you may enjoy learning how South African running clubs continue to support runners at every level.
Why Comrades Continues to Inspire
More than just a finish line, the race has many unique elements often described as 'transformative.' There's no doubt that it takes perseverance, discipline and resilience. For athletes, the test is physical, mental and emotional, and it is these challenges that attract thousands of participants every year.
For many, crossing the finish line represents the culmination of months of preparation and years of ambition, and the race's enduring popularity highlights why it continues to stand apart from other ultra marathons in South Africa.
Ultimately, the Comrades Marathon has earned its place among the world's most celebrated and iconic endurance events. From its origins in 1921 to its modern international reputation, the race continues to inspire runners from every background.
So, whether you are researching how to qualify for a Comrades Marathon entry, studying the famous Comrades Marathon route, or simply learning about South African sporting history, the Comrades Marathon is a brilliant example of determination and human endurance.
For thousands of runners every year, taking part in the longest marathon in South Africa is a dream worth pursuing.
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