The Comrades Marathon is more than just a race—it's one of the world's most iconic ultramarathons and a bucket-list challenge for runners across the globe. Held annually between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, the approximately 87 km race alternates direction each year, climbing inland on the demanding "up" run and descending towards the coast on the "down" run.
For international visitors, running Comrades requires far more planning than a typical marathon. From securing a qualifying time and organising transport to deciding where to stay and what to do after the race, a little preparation goes a long way. Here's what you need to know.
Unlike many marathons, you can't simply register for the Comrades Marathon. The event has a limited field, with recent editions attracting around 22,000 runners and selling out quickly. Every entrant must also achieve a qualifying time before a specified deadline to secure their place.
The standard qualification is an officially timed marathon completed in under five hours under the rules of a recognised athletics body. Longer races can also be used as qualifiers, each with its own required finishing time. International runners must ensure their qualifying results are verified and submitted before the official cut-off date.
Because qualifying races can fill up well in advance, it's worth choosing yours early and treating it as an essential part of your Comrades journey rather than a last-minute requirement.
At around 87 km, Comrades is more than twice the distance of a standard marathon, but the elevation is what truly sets it apart.
The "up" run features a series of legendary climbs, including Cowies Hill, Field's Hill, Botha's Hill, Inchanga and Polly Shortts, while the "down" run may lose elevation overall but places significant stress on the legs over many hours.
Preparing for Comrades typically requires several months of structured training, including consistent high-mileage weeks, back-to-back long runs and dedicated hill sessions. On race day, runners must also manage a strict 12-hour overall cut-off, with additional cut-offs at various points along the route. Finishing times determine medal categories, ranging from the prestigious Gold Medal to the final Vic Clapham Medal awarded to those who finish within the time limit.
Recent races also highlight the importance of qualifying well. Seeded start groups can have dramatically different finish rates, with runners starting closer to the front generally enjoying much higher success rates. While this makes a strong qualifying time worthwhile, first-time runners should be encouraged that novices continue to make up a significant portion of the field and most complete the challenge successfully.
One of the biggest logistical differences between Comrades and most city marathons is that it is a point-to-point race. You start in one city and finish roughly 87 km away in another, meaning transport requires careful planning both before and after the race.
Many runners rely on official shuttle services, organised tours or transfers provided by their accommodation. If you're planning to spend extra time exploring KwaZulu-Natal before or after the event, hiring a car often provides the greatest flexibility. It allows you to drive sections of the course in advance, travel between attractions and move easily between your accommodation, the race start and the finish.
If you're staying for several weeks, it's worth comparing your transport options. While a standard daily rental may suit a short visit, longer stays can make long-term rentals or vehicle leasing more cost-effective. Before accepting any monthly leasing figure, it helps to see how it is calculated; factors such as the vehicle's purchase price, estimated residual value, lease term and finance rate all influence the final cost.
Although the race alternates direction each year, Durban is often the most convenient base for international visitors.
The city offers the widest range of accommodation, numerous restaurants, easy access from King Shaka International Airport and a warm subtropical climate during race season. Staying in Durban also gives you plenty to enjoy before and after the event, from relaxing on the Golden Mile to visiting uShaka Marine World or exploring nearby beaches.
Pietermaritzburg is only about an hour away by road, making it easy to drive sections of the course or attend race-related activities without changing hotels.
If you plan to drive, remember that South Africans drive on the left in right-hand-drive vehicles. Visitors with licences printed in English can generally drive using their home licence, while others may require an International Driving Permit. It's also worth checking your insurance cover before setting off.
After months of training and completing one of the world's toughest ultramarathons, it would be a shame to head straight home.
KwaZulu-Natal offers plenty of opportunities to recover while continuing your South African adventure. Spend a few relaxing days on the coast, visit the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains, discover the Midlands Meander or enjoy a safari in one of the province's renowned Big Five game reserves.
Your legs may not appreciate another strenuous hike immediately after the race, but a leisurely road trip or a few days at a safari lodge provide the perfect opportunity to unwind before your flight home.
Running the Comrades Marathon is an unforgettable achievement, but the experience begins long before race morning. By planning your qualifying race early, training specifically for the course, organising transport well in advance and allowing time to explore KwaZulu-Natal, you'll enjoy a far smoother trip from start to finish.
With the logistics taken care of, you can focus on what you've travelled halfway around the world to do—cross one of the most famous finish lines in distance running and experience the remarkable spirit that has made the Comrades Marathon legendary for more than a century.
This is a guest post.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world on her blog "In Africa and Beyond". Although she has been to 53 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
