Is the Comrades Marathon a worthwhile bucketlist running event?
Mid 40s male with HS/college xc and track background. Crossing off running/ endurance sports events before I drop off a cliff physically. 2:41 marathon earlier this year off 45 miles a week.
I don't have any interest in ultra marathons in general but Comrades has always interested me. I know the basics, South Africa, WWI veteran created event, uphill/downhill alternating years, road course, etc, etc.
I'm interested in general recommendations and thoughts on how much training is required/ recommended.
Is the Comrades Marathon a worthwhile bucketlist running event?
Mid 40s male with HS/college xc and track background. Crossing off running/ endurance sports events before I drop off a cliff physically. 2:41 marathon earlier this year off 45 miles a week.
I don't have any interest in ultra marathons in general but Comrades has always interested me. I know the basics, South Africa, WWI veteran created event, uphill/downhill alternating years, road course, etc, etc.
I'm interested in general recommendations and thoughts on how much training is required/ recommended.
Have never run it but every South African that I have ever met has told me that they have won it.
I have run it and it is an awesome event. Unmatched for an ultra in terms of the experience and size of fields. Is definitely unique in that regard.
Only negative as a foreigner is with the point to point course logistics can be a bit difficult but manageable with planning.
I had a 2 38 marathon when I ran it off about 60 mile weeks. In training for it increased to about 85 mile weeks in peak period and it went relatively well.
My main downfall was at about 45 miles and I think that was more due to lack of hill training. Living in the Netherlands at the time it was tough... But if had to do again would definitely try build in more hill training rather than more mileage
I have run it and it is an awesome event. Unmatched for an ultra in terms of the experience and size of fields. Is definitely unique in that regard.
Only negative as a foreigner is with the point to point course logistics can be a bit difficult but manageable with planning.
I had a 2 38 marathon when I ran it off about 60 mile weeks. In training for it increased to about 85 mile weeks in peak period and it went relatively well.
My main downfall was at about 45 miles and I think that was more due to lack of hill training. Living in the Netherlands at the time it was tough... But if had to do again would definitely try build in more hill training rather than more mileage
Agree with this. I ran it last year and I'm going back this year. Modified my Marathon training by increasing mileage about 20% and replacing one threshold workout a week with hill training. Also cross-trained lots of climbing on the bike, and even did stair climbing in my apartment building at least once a week (100 floors, ~30 minute workout). I did a 50k training run and a 60k race also in the buildup, but I don't think these were really necessary.
On the race, I'll add that you will never experience crowd support on the level that Comrades has. It goes way beyond cheering: you can expect legit race support from many strangers you run across, whether it is food, drink, medical, or just moral support -- the spectators come out in force! There are only about 1000 international (non-African) entrants each year out of a field of ~20,000, and the race organizers definitely take care of you. It's also a cheap trip minus airfare -- the Rand is perpetually weak, and we had dinners for 8-10 people at decent restaurants that routinely cost ~100 USD total.
So a definite bucket list recommendation, with one caveat: To get the full Comrades experience, you have to run both the UP and DOWN course, meaning it's a two-time commitment ✌
Do it! I have done it once and it was great. If you are traveling with a significant other, they can second you along the route. Alternatively, or in addition, you can join one of the local SA running clubs, they have team aid stations along the way, you can catch a ride to start, or from finish, and have club gazebos at finish with your kit bag and food. Nedbank running club, with manager Nic Bester is the club I’d recommend.