The Comrades Marathon is an ultramarathon of approximately 88 kilometres (55 mi) which is run annually in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon race. The direction of the race alternates each year between the "up" run (87.6km) starting from Durban and the "down" run (87.7km) starting from Pietermaritzburg.
Runners in Kloof during 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
Comrades Marathon House, the CMA's headquarters in Pietermaritzburg where race statistics and memorabilia are kept
Runners waiting for the start of the 2023 Comrades Marathon
An ultramarathon, also called ultra distance or ultra running, is a footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres. Various distances, surfaces, and formats are raced competitively, from the shortest common ultramarathon of 31 miles (50 km) and up to 3100 miles. World Championships are held by the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) for 50 km, 100 km, 24 hours, and ultra trail running. The Global Organization of Multi-Day Ultramarathoners (GOMU) holds World Championships for 48 hours and 6 days. World Records are ratified and recognized by World Athletics, the IAU, and by GOMU.
Ultramarathoners compete at the Sahara Race 2011 (4 Deserts).
Runners waiting for the start of the 2023 Comrades Marathon
View from the Atacama Crossing 2011.
