Comrades Marathon is a 89km ultra marathon in Durban, South Africa. Distance: 89km. Elevation: 1,800m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 33/100). DNF rate: 20%. Time limit: 12h. Surface: road. Established 1921.
Comrades Marathon
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
"The world's oldest ultra. 89km through South Africa's Valley of 1000 Hills since 1921."
The world's oldest and largest ultramarathon — 89km since 1921.
The Course
An 87km road ultra between Durban and Pietermaritzburg through the rolling green hills of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The "up" run (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) climbs 1,700m over five major hills; the "down" run reverses, with the descents punishing quadriceps already fatigued by the early flat sections. The route passes through Hillcrest, Drummond, and Camperdown — towns where thousands of spectators line the road for the full 12 hours. The final stretch into Pietermaritzburg (up run) or Durban (down run) is one of the most emotionally charged finishes in running.
hilly
point-to-point
48
Runner Experience
Well-supported with 48 aid stations. Frequent access to food, drinks, and medical support throughout the course.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Comrades Marathon is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
15°C
8° – 22°
55%
15%
KwaZulu-Natal winter — cool mornings, pleasant afternoons.
Stats & Records
1921
15,000
10:00:00
Entry
ZAR 750
September
weeks
Lore & Trivia
Comrades is the world's oldest and largest ultra marathon — founded in 1921 by Vic Clapham to honour South African soldiers who fell in World War I. The 87km route between Durban and Pietermaritzburg alternates direction each year ("up" and "down" runs). With 20,000+ runners and South Africa watching on live television, Comrades is to ultra running what the Tour de France is to cycling — the defining event that transcends the sport. The final cutoff at 12 hours is brutally enforced: the gate closes and runners still on the course are disqualified, no matter how close they are.
- ▸ Founded in 1921 to honor soldiers who fell in World War I.
- ▸ The world's oldest and largest ultramarathon with 20,000 runners.
- ▸ The 12-hour cutoff is legendary — the gun fires and the road closes.
- ▸ Established in 1921.
- ▸ Total elevation gain: 1800m.
When the gun fires at 12 hours and they close the gate — that is the most dramatic moment in all of running.
Notable Editions
The Closest Finish in History
The 2019 women's race finished in a sprint that was separated by a single second — two runners side by side after 87km, decided in the final metres.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Comrades Marathon? +
Comrades Marathon is a 89km (89km) ultra marathon with 1,800m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on road terrain.
How hard is Comrades Marathon? +
Comrades Marathon is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 33/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 20%. Runners have 12 hours to finish.
How do I enter Comrades Marathon? +
Sub-5h marathon. Entry costs ZAR 750. with a maximum of 20000 starters.
What is the weather like at Comrades Marathon? +
Average temperature is 15°C (range 8°C to 22°C) with 55% humidity and a 15% chance of rain. KwaZulu-Natal winter — cool mornings, pleasant afternoons.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Comrades Marathon? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the average finish time for Comrades Marathon? +
The average finish time is 10:00:00. About 15,000 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 20%.
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