The Good: Historical Significance: Established in 1921, the Comrades Marathon is one of the oldest and most prestigious ultramarathons in the world. It was originally conceived as a tribute to soldiers who had died in World War I, promoting endurance and camaraderie.
Scenic Route: The race alternates annually between "up" (from Durban to Pietermaritzburg) and "down" (from Pietermaritzburg to Durban) routes, both of which offer beautiful, varied scenery showcasing the landscape of KwaZulu-Natal.
Camaraderie and Spirit: The race is known for its incredible sense of community and support among runners. Many participants help each other along the way, embodying the race’s motto, "It will humble you."
Challenging and Rewarding: Completing the Comrades Marathon is a significant achievement due to its difficulty. Runners gain immense personal satisfaction and respect within the running community.
Global Participation: The race attracts runners from around the world, fostering a sense of global community and inclusiveness.
The Bad: Physical Toll: The marathon’s length (approximately 90 km) and elevation changes are extremely demanding. Many runners experience severe fatigue, muscle soreness, and injuries during and after the race.
Weather Conditions: The race often takes place in challenging weather conditions, such as heat, humidity, or rain, which can make the already tough course even more difficult to navigate.
Strict Cut-off Times: The race has stringent cut-off times at various points along the course and a final cut-off of 12 hours. Runners who do not meet these times are disqualified, which can be disheartening.
Training Demands: Preparing for the Comrades Marathon requires months of rigorous training. Balancing this with personal and professional commitments can be challenging for many participants.
The Ugly: Injuries and Health Risks: The extreme nature of the race can lead to serious injuries, such as stress fractures, muscle tears, and heatstroke. Some runners have even faced life-threatening conditions during or after the race.
Mental Strain: The psychological demands of running such a long and challenging race can be intense. Some runners experience mental fatigue, anxiety, and depression during training and after the race.
Environmental Impact: Large-scale events like the Comrades Marathon can have environmental impacts, including littering and wear and tear on natural landscapes, despite efforts to minimize these effects.
Financial Cost: Participating in the Comrades Marathon can be expensive, factoring in entry fees, travel, accommodation, and gear, making it inaccessible for some potential runners.
Overall, while the Comrades Marathon offers a unique and rewarding experience for those who undertake it, it also presents significant physical, mental, and logistical challenges.
The Good: Historical Significance: Established in 1921, the Comrades Marathon is one of the oldest and most prestigious ultramarathons in the world. It was originally conceived as a tribute to soldiers who had died in World War I, promoting endurance and camaraderie.
Scenic Route: The race alternates annually between "up" (from Durban to Pietermaritzburg) and "down" (from Pietermaritzburg to Durban) routes, both of which offer beautiful, varied scenery showcasing the landscape of KwaZulu-Natal.
Camaraderie and Spirit: The race is known for its incredible sense of community and support among runners. Many participants help each other along the way, embodying the race’s motto, "It will humble you."
Challenging and Rewarding: Completing the Comrades Marathon is a significant achievement due to its difficulty. Runners gain immense personal satisfaction and respect within the running community.
Global Participation: The race attracts runners from around the world, fostering a sense of global community and inclusiveness.
The Bad: Physical Toll: The marathon’s length (approximately 90 km) and elevation changes are extremely demanding. Many runners experience severe fatigue, muscle soreness, and injuries during and after the race.
Weather Conditions: The race often takes place in challenging weather conditions, such as heat, humidity, or rain, which can make the already tough course even more difficult to navigate.
Strict Cut-off Times: The race has stringent cut-off times at various points along the course and a final cut-off of 12 hours. Runners who do not meet these times are disqualified, which can be disheartening.
Training Demands: Preparing for the Comrades Marathon requires months of rigorous training. Balancing this with personal and professional commitments can be challenging for many participants.
The Ugly: Injuries and Health Risks: The extreme nature of the race can lead to serious injuries, such as stress fractures, muscle tears, and heatstroke. Some runners have even faced life-threatening conditions during or after the race.
Mental Strain: The psychological demands of running such a long and challenging race can be intense. Some runners experience mental fatigue, anxiety, and depression during training and after the race.
Environmental Impact: Large-scale events like the Comrades Marathon can have environmental impacts, including littering and wear and tear on natural landscapes, despite efforts to minimize these effects.
Financial Cost: Participating in the Comrades Marathon can be expensive, factoring in entry fees, travel, accommodation, and gear, making it inaccessible for some potential runners.
Overall, while the Comrades Marathon offers a unique and rewarding experience for those who undertake it, it also presents significant physical, mental, and logistical challenges.
The Good: Historical Significance: Established in 1921, the Comrades Marathon is one of the oldest and most prestigious ultramarathons in the world. It was originally conceived as a tribute to soldiers who had died in World War I, promoting endurance and camaraderie.
Scenic Route: The race alternates annually between "up" (from Durban to Pietermaritzburg) and "down" (from Pietermaritzburg to Durban) routes, both of which offer beautiful, varied scenery showcasing the landscape of KwaZulu-Natal.
Camaraderie and Spirit: The race is known for its incredible sense of community and support among runners. Many participants help each other along the way, embodying the race’s motto, "It will humble you."
Challenging and Rewarding: Completing the Comrades Marathon is a significant achievement due to its difficulty. Runners gain immense personal satisfaction and respect within the running community.
Global Participation: The race attracts runners from around the world, fostering a sense of global community and inclusiveness.
The Bad: Physical Toll: The marathon’s length (approximately 90 km) and elevation changes are extremely demanding. Many runners experience severe fatigue, muscle soreness, and injuries during and after the race.
Weather Conditions: The race often takes place in challenging weather conditions, such as heat, humidity, or rain, which can make the already tough course even more difficult to navigate.
Strict Cut-off Times: The race has stringent cut-off times at various points along the course and a final cut-off of 12 hours. Runners who do not meet these times are disqualified, which can be disheartening.
Training Demands: Preparing for the Comrades Marathon requires months of rigorous training. Balancing this with personal and professional commitments can be challenging for many participants.
The Ugly: Injuries and Health Risks: The extreme nature of the race can lead to serious injuries, such as stress fractures, muscle tears, and heatstroke. Some runners have even faced life-threatening conditions during or after the race.
Mental Strain: The psychological demands of running such a long and challenging race can be intense. Some runners experience mental fatigue, anxiety, and depression during training and after the race.
Environmental Impact: Large-scale events like the Comrades Marathon can have environmental impacts, including littering and wear and tear on natural landscapes, despite efforts to minimize these effects.
Financial Cost: Participating in the Comrades Marathon can be expensive, factoring in entry fees, travel, accommodation, and gear, making it inaccessible for some potential runners.
Overall, while the Comrades Marathon offers a unique and rewarding experience for those who undertake it, it also presents significant physical, mental, and logistical challenges.
Non-GPT version (responding to a few of those points as well, since they are off the mark).
I've run it the last two years, so have experienced both the down and up course.
Camaraderie and Spirit: The race is known for its incredible sense of community and support among runners. Many participants help each other along the way, embodying the race’s motto, "It will humble you."
100% true and the most important point. You will never experience a race with greater crowd support or comradery among runners. Not just people cheering, but actively supporting runners with food, drink, medicine, etc. throughout the full race course. Super easy to make friends along the course, and a genuine "we're all in this together" feel. Lots of runners/spectators to pick you up and keep you moving (and lots of opportunities to return the favor).
Challenging and Rewarding: Completing the Comrades Marathon is a significant achievement due to its difficulty. Runners gain immense personal satisfaction and respect within the running community.
In the eye of the beholder, so personal, but can't argue with it.
Scenic Route: The race alternates annually between "up" (from Durban to Pietermaritzburg) and "down" (from Pietermaritzburg to Durban) routes, both of which offer beautiful, varied scenery showcasing the landscape of KwaZulu-Natal.
There is some beautiful scenery along the course, yes, particularly in the Valley of a Thousand Hills. But there are also plenty of long stretches of highway with little to look at other than runners stopping to pee on the side of the road.
Global Participation: The race attracts runners from around the world, fostering a sense of global community and inclusiveness.
Somewhat true. Only about 5% of the field (1,000-1,500 maybe?) comes from outside Africa, but the race organizers take extra steps to take care of them. There are separate registration lines at the expo and a post-race finisher area for internationals only.
Physical Toll: The marathon’s length (approximately 90 km) and elevation changes are extremely demanding. Many runners experience severe fatigue, muscle soreness, and injuries during and after the race.
Yes, if you come in unprepared, you will probably have a bad time. But that is true for any race.
Weather Conditions: The race often takes place in challenging weather conditions, such as heat, humidity, or rain, which can make the already tough course even more difficult to navigate.
Rain? Lol. It's true there are hot years, but the race is run in the winter season. On Down course years, it's routinely in the low 40s F at the start in Pietermaritzburg. The start is warmer in Durban in Up years, but we're still talking in the 50s. It will get into the 70s usually, and there's rarely cloud cover, but it's not unbearable.
Strict Cut-off Times: The race has stringent cut-off times at various points along the course and a final cut-off of 12 hours. Runners who do not meet these times are disqualified, which can be disheartening.
This is true, but the cutoffs are pretty generous. These days, about 90% of the people that start the race (between 16-18,000) finish it.
Training Demands: Preparing for the Comrades Marathon requires months of rigorous training. Balancing this with personal and professional commitments can be challenging for many participants.
Totally dependent on your race goals and current fitness level.
Injuries and Health Risks: The extreme nature of the race can lead to serious injuries, such as stress fractures, muscle tears, and heatstroke. Some runners have even faced life-threatening conditions during or after the race.
Mental Strain: The psychological demands of running such a long and challenging race can be intense. Some runners experience mental fatigue, anxiety, and depression during training and after the race.
Not untrue, but honestly the biggest risk IMO is illness, primarily after the race. People with bare hands will be handing you water sachets (think like a pop-ice, but full or water or electrolyte drink) or other food supplies along the course. Your immune system will also probably be compromised before/during/after race from travel and exertion. A lot of people get sick after the race with stomach or respiratory ailments.
Environmental Impact: Large-scale events like the Comrades Marathon can have environmental impacts, including littering and wear and tear on natural landscapes, despite efforts to minimize these effects.
Somewhat true -- most aid stations do a good job cleaning up, but a lot of trash is generated/tossed outside of those areas. Honestly, the race is run strictly on paved roads / highways, so there's already a fair amount of trash everywhere. And regardless, the biggest environment impact is probably from the international folks flying there.
Financial Cost: Participating in the Comrades Marathon can be expensive, factoring in entry fees, travel, accommodation, and gear, making it inaccessible for some potential runners.
Registration is actually not that bad, about $250 USD for international. And obviously, an international plane ticket will also be pricey. But once you are in South Africa, your dollar goes FAR. Even during Comrades weekend, resort-level hotel rooms can be found for $100-150 a night, and it is ridiculously cheap to eat in restaurants ($10-12 a person, including drinks). Goods and services are likewise cheap.
Other things:
The race takes care of first timers: there is a novice tour and seminars at the expo, not to mention a dedicated novice area with giveaways. And of course literally anyone will help you on course.
Jetlag - If you're international and coming from anywhere other than Europe (Durban is same time zone as CET), it will be tough. Even coming from Europe, you're looking at tons of travel time / exposure right before the race.
The Durban promenade along the beach is nice, with lots of hotels to pick from and a good police presence. It's safe, as long as you don't mind the occasional panhandler. But straying from the beach deeper into town feels much less comfortable / risky. Don't go out alone, especially after dark.
The last 30 minutes at the finish before the 12-hour cutoff are unlike anything you've ever seen at a race. Just a sea of emotional faces crossing that line -- pain, triumph, relief, all dialed up to about 13. I was much more of an emotional wreck watching people finish right up to the cutoff than when I finished myself.
Standing at the start line with 20,000 people singing "Shosholoza" in unison can't really be described -- it has to be experienced.
Non-GPT version (responding to a few of those points as well, since they are off the mark).
I've run it the last two years, so have experienced both the down and up course.
Camaraderie and Spirit: The race is known for its incredible sense of community and support among runners. Many participants help each other along the way, embodying the race’s motto, "It will humble you."
100% true and the most important point. You will never experience a race with greater crowd support or comradery among runners. Not just people cheering, but actively supporting runners with food, drink, medicine, etc. throughout the full race course. Super easy to make friends along the course, and a genuine "we're all in this together" feel. Lots of runners/spectators to pick you up and keep you moving (and lots of opportunities to return the favor).
Challenging and Rewarding: Completing the Comrades Marathon is a significant achievement due to its difficulty. Runners gain immense personal satisfaction and respect within the running community.
In the eye of the beholder, so personal, but can't argue with it.
Scenic Route: The race alternates annually between "up" (from Durban to Pietermaritzburg) and "down" (from Pietermaritzburg to Durban) routes, both of which offer beautiful, varied scenery showcasing the landscape of KwaZulu-Natal.
There is some beautiful scenery along the course, yes, particularly in the Valley of a Thousand Hills. But there are also plenty of long stretches of highway with little to look at other than runners stopping to pee on the side of the road.
Global Participation: The race attracts runners from around the world, fostering a sense of global community and inclusiveness.
Somewhat true. Only about 5% of the field (1,000-1,500 maybe?) comes from outside Africa, but the race organizers take extra steps to take care of them. There are separate registration lines at the expo and a post-race finisher area for internationals only.
Physical Toll: The marathon’s length (approximately 90 km) and elevation changes are extremely demanding. Many runners experience severe fatigue, muscle soreness, and injuries during and after the race.
Yes, if you come in unprepared, you will probably have a bad time. But that is true for any race.
Weather Conditions: The race often takes place in challenging weather conditions, such as heat, humidity, or rain, which can make the already tough course even more difficult to navigate.
Rain? Lol. It's true there are hot years, but the race is run in the winter season. On Down course years, it's routinely in the low 40s F at the start in Pietermaritzburg. The start is warmer in Durban in Up years, but we're still talking in the 50s. It will get into the 70s usually, and there's rarely cloud cover, but it's not unbearable.
Strict Cut-off Times: The race has stringent cut-off times at various points along the course and a final cut-off of 12 hours. Runners who do not meet these times are disqualified, which can be disheartening.
This is true, but the cutoffs are pretty generous. These days, about 90% of the people that start the race (between 16-18,000) finish it.
Training Demands: Preparing for the Comrades Marathon requires months of rigorous training. Balancing this with personal and professional commitments can be challenging for many participants.
Totally dependent on your race goals and current fitness level.
Injuries and Health Risks: The extreme nature of the race can lead to serious injuries, such as stress fractures, muscle tears, and heatstroke. Some runners have even faced life-threatening conditions during or after the race.
Mental Strain: The psychological demands of running such a long and challenging race can be intense. Some runners experience mental fatigue, anxiety, and depression during training and after the race.
Not untrue, but honestly the biggest risk IMO is illness, primarily after the race. People with bare hands will be handing you water sachets (think like a pop-ice, but full or water or electrolyte drink) or other food supplies along the course. Your immune system will also probably be compromised before/during/after race from travel and exertion. A lot of people get sick after the race with stomach or respiratory ailments.
Environmental Impact: Large-scale events like the Comrades Marathon can have environmental impacts, including littering and wear and tear on natural landscapes, despite efforts to minimize these effects.
Somewhat true -- most aid stations do a good job cleaning up, but a lot of trash is generated/tossed outside of those areas. Honestly, the race is run strictly on paved roads / highways, so there's already a fair amount of trash everywhere. And regardless, the biggest environment impact is probably from the international folks flying there.
Financial Cost: Participating in the Comrades Marathon can be expensive, factoring in entry fees, travel, accommodation, and gear, making it inaccessible for some potential runners.
Registration is actually not that bad, about $250 USD for international. And obviously, an international plane ticket will also be pricey. But once you are in South Africa, your dollar goes FAR. Even during Comrades weekend, resort-level hotel rooms can be found for $100-150 a night, and it is ridiculously cheap to eat in restaurants ($10-12 a person, including drinks). Goods and services are likewise cheap.
Other things:
The race takes care of first timers: there is a novice tour and seminars at the expo, not to mention a dedicated novice area with giveaways. And of course literally anyone will help you on course.
Jetlag - If you're international and coming from anywhere other than Europe (Durban is same time zone as CET), it will be tough. Even coming from Europe, you're looking at tons of travel time / exposure right before the race.
The Durban promenade along the beach is nice, with lots of hotels to pick from and a good police presence. It's safe, as long as you don't mind the occasional panhandler. But straying from the beach deeper into town feels much less comfortable / risky. Don't go out alone, especially after dark.
The last 30 minutes at the finish before the 12-hour cutoff are unlike anything you've ever seen at a race. Just a sea of emotional faces crossing that line -- pain, triumph, relief, all dialed up to about 13. I was much more of an emotional wreck watching people finish right up to the cutoff than when I finished myself.
Standing at the start line with 20,000 people singing "Shosholoza" in unison can't really be described -- it has to be experienced.
Anyone have experience running this historical race?
the good? The bad the ugly?
please discuss
ty
Run it a couple of times.
The good:
Historical, rich in tradition. Sense of comraderie is unparalleled. Most of the way is practically lined by supporters cheering you on. Fairly well run in most aspects, aid stations every 3kms.
The start line (also has an ugly) + the countdown really is amazing. Singing songs etc really gets you hyped up and brings a tear to the eye.
The bad:
The heat can get oppressive if you arent used to it. I met many internationals esp Brits+Canadians who really struggled with the heat. Run gun to gun, so if you seed right at the back you will lose 8-12 minutes getting over the start line, wasting precious time of a 12hr cutoff.
Road race that can get boring with lots straight pulls that can get monotonous.
The ugly:
The smell of urine + faeces at the start line with everyones morning ablutions. There are 20000+ runners so it can be a bit manky.
Traffic at the start/end can lead to hour+ long delays if you arent a speedy runner.
Not to do with the race but the country. Crime, especially violent crime is a concern.
I ran the race last year and it was quite the experience. The good, is a stunning course with rich history and great community support. The bad is crowded start and unpredictable weather. The ugly is a brutal hill at the end. Overall, definitely worth it.