Sweat, tears and camaraderie as 20,000 runners take on world’s largest ultramarathon
Summary
The Comrades Marathon is the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon, held annually in South Africa. It started in 1921 with 34 white male runners and has grown to over 20,000 participants from all backgrounds running nearly 55 miles between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.Key Facts
- The race began in 1921 as a tribute to soldiers who died in World War I.
- The route changes direction every year, alternating between downhill and uphill runs.
- The race covers about 55 miles (88 kilometers) each year.
- Over 20,000 runners participated in the recent event on June 14.
- Runners come from many different backgrounds, including workers, bankers, and celebrities.
- The race includes an uphill climb of about 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) on the "up run" route.
- The event has historical significance, with the first black man finishing the race in 1935 and Frances Hayward being the first woman finisher in 1923.
- Training for the race can involve running long distances regularly, as shown by a participant who started running less than a year before finishing the race.
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