Comrades Marathon is an annual ultramarathon that takes place in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The race takes place between two cities Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Regarded as the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon race it’s approximately 89 km. Each year the direction of the race alternates from Durban its 87 km which is the “up” run. From Pietermaritzburg its 89 km which is the “down” run. Plus there’s plenty of accommodation in Pietermaritzburg.

Plus runners need to be able to complete a recognised marathon of 42.2 km in less than five hours. Throughout the course of the race athletes must get to five cut-off points at specified times in order for them to finish the race. The race can be completed in 12 hours.

Also there are various cut-off points along the routes which runners need to reach at a specified time, failure to do so means runners will be forced to drop out of the race. Different runners wear specified numbers for example runners who have done ten races wear a green number, runners who have completed nine races wear yellow numbers. This is a permanent allocation for the runner in terms of all future races. Runners need to be over 20 years to qualify for the race.

Upon completion all runners are awarded medals but this applies to those who finish in less than 12 hours. Gold medals are given to the first 10 women and men. Wally Hayward medals are given to 11th positions. Silver medals are given for those who complete 6hrs. Bill Rowan medals which have a bronze-centred circled by silver ring are given to those who finish in 7hrs 30min. Bronze medals are given to runners who finish in 9hrs to 11hrs. Vic Clapham medals are given to those who finish in 11hrs.