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Comrades Marathon
Comrades Marathon logo.svg
The Comrades Marathon logo
Date May / June
Location Durban / Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Event type Road
Distance Ultramarathon (90 km)
Established 1921; 104 years ago (1921)
Course records
  • Down:
    • Men: Tete Dijana 5:13:58 (2023)
    • Women: Gerda Steyn 5:44:54 (2023)

  • Up:
    • Men: Leonid Shvetsov 5.24.39 (2008)
    • Women: Gerda Steyn 5:49:46 (2024)
Official site The Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon is a super-long running race, called an ultramarathon. It's about 90 kilometres long (that's like running two marathons back-to-back!). This famous race happens every year in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Runners go between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It's known as the world's biggest and oldest ultramarathon.

The race changes direction each year. One year it's the "up" run, starting from Durban (which is lower down) and going up to Pietermaritzburg (which is higher). The next year it's the "down" run, starting from Pietermaritzburg and going down to Durban.

In 2019, 25,000 runners signed up for the race, and all spots were taken in just one week! Most runners are from South Africa, but many also come from countries like India, the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, the United States, Brazil, Australia, Botswana, Russia, Eswatini and Japan. Since 1988, over 10,000 runners have finished the race almost every year, usually within 11 or 12 hours.

The Comrades Marathon was not held during World War II (from 1941 to 1945). It was also cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The race started again in 2022 with 15,000 runners.

To join the Comrades, runners must be over 20 years old. They also need to have completed a regular marathon (42.2 km) in under 4 hours and 50 minutes. During the race, athletes must reach certain checkpoints by specific times. If they don't, they have to stop. The spirit of the Comrades Marathon is all about friendship, helping others, hard work, never giving up, and ubuntu (a South African philosophy about humanity and kindness).

The Race Course

Comrades ultramarathon route
The Comrades Marathon route

The Comrades Marathon takes place on the roads of KwaZulu-Natal. The route is famous for its "Big Five" hills. If you're doing the "up" run, you'll meet them in this order: Cowies Hill, Fields Hill, Botha's Hill, Inchanga, and Polly Shortts. The highest point of the race is about 870 metres above sea level, near the Umlaas Road interchange.

Along the way, there are about 40 official refreshment stations. These stations provide runners with drinks, water, fruit, biscuits, and other snacks to keep their energy up. There are also about eight first aid and physiotherapy stations to help runners who might need medical attention or a quick massage.

2023 Comrades Marathon at Kloof
Runners in Kloof during the 2023 Comrades Marathon

Race Rules and Medals

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

Runners have 12 hours to finish the Comrades Marathon. This time limit was increased from 11 hours in 2003. There are also several cut-off points along the route. If a runner doesn't reach these points by a certain time, they are asked to leave the race.

Runners who complete nine Comrades Marathons wear a yellow race number. Those who finish ten races earn a special green number. This green number is theirs for life, and they can use it in all future races. Runners doing their 20th, 30th, or 40th race also get special yellow numbers.

All runners who finish the race in under 12 hours receive a medal. Here are the different types of medals:

  • Gold medal: Given to the first 10 men and first 10 women to finish.
  • Wally Hayward medal: For runners who finish between 6 hours and 7 hours 30 minutes, but are not in the top 10.
  • Isavel Roche-Kelly medal: Only for women who finish between 6 hours and 7 hours 30 minutes, but are not in the top 10.
  • Silver medal: For runners who finish between 6 hours and 7 hours 30 minutes.
  • Bill Rowan medal: For runners who finish between 7 hours 30 minutes and 9 hours.
  • Robert Mtshali medal: For runners who finish between 9 hours and 10 hours.
  • Bronze medal: For runners who finish between 10 hours and 11 hours.
  • Vic Clapham medal: For runners who finish between 11 hours and 12 hours.

There's also a "back-to-back" medal for new runners who complete both an "up" run and a "down" run in a row.

History of the Race

The Comrades Marathon first took place on May 24, 1921. Except for the years during World War II and the recent coronavirus pandemic, it has been run every year since. Over 300,000 runners have completed the race so far!

The idea for the race came from World War I veteran Vic Clapham. He wanted to remember the South African soldiers who died in the war. Clapham had experienced a very tough 2,700-kilometre march in East Africa. He wanted the race to be a special challenge of physical strength. The race's goal is to "celebrate mankind's spirit over adversity" – meaning to show how strong people can be when facing difficulties. Vic Clapham's great-grandson, Antony Clapham, even finished the race several times!

The race used to be held on May 31, which was Republic Day in South Africa. After 1995, the date changed to June 16, which is Youth Day in South Africa. Sometimes, the date has been moved to avoid clashing with big events like the FIFA World Cup.

Early Years (1920s-1930s)

In the very first race in 1921, 48 runners signed up, but only 34 started. Most of them were former soldiers. The course was mostly dirt roads back then. Bill Rowan was the first winner, finishing in 8 hours and 59 minutes. Only 16 runners completed that first race.

Arthur Newton became a big name in the 1920s, winning the race five times. In 1923, Frances Hayward became the first woman to run the race, even though women weren't officially allowed yet. She finished in 11 hours and 35 minutes and was cheered by everyone.

In the 1930s, Hardy Ballington won four times. Wally Hayward, who won in 1930, became a Comrades legend. He won four more times in the 1950s and became the oldest person to finish the race in 1989!

Mid-Century (1940s-1960s)

After the war, a fun Comrades tradition started in 1948. Instead of a starting gun, race official Max Trimborn made a loud sound like a rooster crowing. This tradition continues today with a recording of his voice played at the start line.

In the 1950s, Wally Hayward continued his winning streak. Jackie Mekler also became a five-time winner. The 1960s saw the race grow a lot, with more runners joining. Cut-off points were introduced to manage the larger groups. In 1962, runners from other countries joined for the first time. An English runner, John Smith, won that year. He noticed how much everyone cheered for all finishers, saying, "You are now witnessing the spirit of the Comrades."

Opening Up (1970s-1980s)

In 1975, the Comrades Marathon was officially opened to all athletes, including black runners and women. This was a big moment for the race. Vincent Rakabaele became the first black runner to officially win a medal, finishing 20th. Elizabeth Cavanaugh was the first official woman winner.

The 1970s also saw Alan Robb win four titles. In the 1980s, the number of runners grew even more. Bruce Fordyce became a superstar, winning the race an amazing nine times! In 1989, Sam Tshabalala made history as the first black winner of the Comrades. That same year, schoolteacher Frith van der Merwe set a new women's record, finishing 15th overall! Wally Hayward also finished the race at the age of 80, becoming the oldest finisher ever at that time.

Modern Era (1990s-Present)

In the 1990s, the race had about 12,000 to 14,000 runners. Prize money was introduced in 1995, which attracted more international runners.

In 1992, Charl Mattheus was disqualified after winning, and Jetman Msutu became the second black winner. In 1999, two brothers, Sergio and Motsoeneng, tried to cheat by swapping places during the race, but they were caught.

The 75th Comrades Marathon in 2000 was the biggest ever, with nearly 24,000 runners. In 2010, the race earned a spot in the Guinness World Records for being the ultramarathon with the most finishers. Russian runner Leonid Shvetsov set new course records in 2007 and 2008. Stephen Muzhingi from Zimbabwe became the first non-South African winner from Africa in 2009.

In the 2010s, Russian twin sisters Olesya and Elena Nurgalieva won many women's titles. Stephen Muzhingi also won three races in a row. South African runners like Ludwick Mamabolo, David Gatebe, and Bongmusa Mthembu have since won the men's race. For women, Caroline Wostmann, Charne Bosman, and Ann Ashworth have brought wins back to South Africa. American runner Camille Herron also won in 2017.

The 2020 and 2021 races were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The race returned in 2022, and the slogan was "The Return – Sishay' Ibuya," meaning "We are coming back."

Health and Safety

Running an ultramarathon like the Comrades has health risks. Sadly, there have been 8 deaths in the history of the race up to 2022. A survey of runners found that many experienced cramps, nausea, dizziness, or extreme tiredness. Race organizers and medical teams work hard to keep runners safe.

Cheating in the Race

Cheating is very rare but has happened. In 1993, Herman Matthee was disqualified after finishing 7th because he didn't run the whole race. In 1999, the Motsoeneng brothers tried to trick officials by swapping places, but they were caught because of TV footage and different watches. The race organizers work hard to make sure the Comrades Marathon is fair for everyone.

Records and Fun Facts

Elena Nurgalieva, Comrades 2012
Elena Nurgalieva leading at the 65 kilometres (40 mi) mark in the 2012 Comrades

The Comrades Marathon has many amazing records!

Fastest Times (Up & Down Runs)

Here are some of the quickest times ever recorded:

Year: Athlete: Time: Nation: Position that year

 

Up – Men

  1. 2008 Russia Leonid Shvetsov 5.24.39 1st
  2. 2024 Netherlands Piet Wiersma 5.25.00 1st
  3. 2000 Belarus Vladimir Kotov 5.25.33 1st
  4. 2024 South Africa Dan Moselakwe 5.25.45 2nd
  5. 1998 Russia Dmitri Grishin 5.26.25 1st

 

Up – Women

  1. 2024 South Africa Gerda Steyn 5.49.46 1st
  2. 2019 South Africa Gerda Steyn 5.58.53 1st
  3. 2024 Russia Alexandra Morozova 6.05.12 2nd
  4. 2024 United States Courtney Olsen 6.08.09 3rd
  5. 2006 Russia Elena Nurgalieva 6.09.24 1st

 

Down - Men

  1. 2023 South Africa Tete Dijana 5:13:58 1st
  2. 2023 Netherlands Piet Wiersma 5:14:01 2nd
  3. 2023 South Africa Edward Mothibi 5:17:34 3rd
  4. 2016 South Africa David Gatebe 5.18.19 1st
  5. 2007 Russia Leonid Shvetsov 5.20.41 1st

 

Down - Women

  1. 2023 South Africa Gerda Steyn 5:44:54 1st
  2. 2023 South Africa Adele Broodryk 5:56:26 2nd
  3. 1989 South Africa Frith van der Merwe 5.54.43 1st
  4. 1997 United States Ann Trason 5.58.25 1st
  5. 2005 Russia Tatyana Zhirkova 5.58:51 1st

Runners with Many Wins

Some athletes have won the Comrades Marathon multiple times, showing incredible dedication!

Men's Champion Wins Women's Champion Wins
South Africa Bruce Fordyce 9 Russia Elena Nurgalieva 8
South Africa/United Kingdom Arthur Newton 5 South Africa Maureen Holland 4
South Africa Wally Hayward 5 South Africa Lettie van Zyl 3
South Africa Jackie Mekler 5 South Africa Gerda Steyn 3

Most Gold Medals

Gold medals are given to the fastest runners. Here are some of the athletes with the most gold medals:

Men

  • 12 medals: South Africa Alan Robb
  • 11 medals: South Africa Bruce Fordyce
  • 10 medals: South Africa Trevor Allen, South Africa Jackie Mekler, South Africa Shaun Meiklejohn, South Africa Andrew Kelehe, South Africa Fusi Nhlapo, South Africa Bongmusa Mthembu

Women

  • 13 medals: Russia Elena Nurgalieva
  • 12 medals: Russia Marina Zhalybina
  • 11 medals: Germany Maria Bak
  • 10 medals: South Africa Farwa Mentoor, Russia Olesya Nurgalieva

Oldest Finisher

  • Johannes Mosehla finished the race in 2023 at the age of 81!
  • Wally Hayward finished in 1989 at 80 years old.

Permanent Green Numbers

When a runner finishes their 10th Comrades Marathon, they get a special "green number." This number is theirs for life, and no one else can use it! It's a huge honour. After 20 years, they get a "double green number," and more honours for every 10 years after that. Sometimes, family members can even inherit these special numbers.

Here are the holders of race numbers 1 to 10:

  • 0((((1))))0 Clive Crawley – 42 medals
  • 0(2)0 Wally Hayward – 5 wins/7 medals
  • 0(3)0 Allen Bodill – 10 medals
  • 0((4))0 Nick Raubenheimber – 22 medals
  • 0(((5)))0 Allan Ferguson – 36 medals
  • 0(6)0 John Woods – 11 medals
  • 0(7)0 Malcolm Hean – 14 medals
  • 080 unknown/not allocated
  • 0(9)0 Jackie Mekler – 5 wins/12 medals
  • 0(10)0 Fred Morrison – 11 medals

Most Medals Overall

Some runners have completed the Comrades Marathon an incredible number of times!

Medal holder Medals Medal years
South Africa Barry Holland 49 1973–2023
South Africa Louis Massyn 48 1973–2023
South Africa Dave Rogers 45 1961–2013
South Africa Vic Boston 44 1977–2022
South Africa Alan Robb 43 1974–2022

Winners List

Here are some of the recent Comrades Marathon winners:

Past Comrades winners
Year 2023 u/d Time (Men) Men's Champion Club Time (Women) Women's Champion Club Comrades Marathon
2024 u 5:25:00 Netherlands Piet Wiersma 5:49.46 South Africa Gerda Steyn3 Phantane AC
2023 d 5:13:58 South Africa Tete Dijana2 Nedbank RC 5:44.54 South Africa Gerda Steyn2 Phantane AC
2022 d 5:30:38 South Africa Tete Dijana Nedbank RC GN 6:17:48 Russia Alexandra Morozova International
— cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic
2019 u 5:31:33 South Africa Edward Mothibi Nedbank RC GN 5:58:53 South Africa Gerda Steyn Nedbank RC JHB
2018 d 5:26:34 South Africa Bongmusa Mthembu3 Arthur Ford AC 6:10:03 South Africa Ann Ashworth Massmart AC CG
2017 u 5:35:34 South Africa Bongmusa Mthembu2 Arthur Ford AC 6:27:35 United States Camille Herron Nedbank RC International
2016 d 5:18:19 South Africa David Gatebe TomTom AC 6:25:55 South Africa Charne Bosman Nedbank RC CG
2015 u 5:38:36 South Africa Gift Kelehe Samancor Chrome MC 6:12:22 South Africa Caroline Wöstmann Nedbank RC

First South African Finishers

Robert Mtshali-gedenkplaket
A plaque in honour of Robert Mtshali, a finisher in 1935. The Robert Mtshali medal was introduced in 2019.

Because many international runners now compete, there's also a special prize for the first South African man and woman to cross the finish line each year, if the overall winner is from another country.

Men

  • 2024 Dan Moselakwe (2nd overall)
  • 2011 Fanie Matshipa (2nd overall)
  • 2010 Ludwick Mamabolo (2nd overall)
  • 2009 Charles Tjiane (3rd overall)

Women

  • 2022 Adele Broodryk (3rd overall)
  • 2017 Charné Bosman (2nd overall)
  • 2014 Caroline Wostmann (6th overall)
  • 2013 Charné Bosman (5th overall)

Images for kids

  • Comrades runners per age group (2019)

    Comrades runners per age group

  • Comrades-marathon-medal-count-versus-age

    Finishers as a function of age and number of medals

  • Chart of recent Comrades Marathon winners

    Recent winners

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Maratón Comrades para niños

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