Born from the First World War
The race was the idea of Vic Clapham, a veteran of the First World War, who wanted a living memorial to the South African soldiers who died in it, and a test of the comradeship they had shown. He lobbied for years before the League of Comrades of the Great War backed him with a small loan.
On 24 May 1921, 34 runners left Pietermaritzburg City Hall. Sixteen reached Durban, and Bill Rowan won in just under nine hours. Apart from the Second World War and the COVID years of 2020 and 2021, it has been run every year since.
Up runs, down runs and the Big Five hills
The direction changes every year. The "down" run starts in Pietermaritzburg and finishes in Durban (about 90 km); the "up" run goes the other way (about 87.6 km) and is the harder climb.
Runners talk about the Big Five hills: Polly Shortts, Inchanga, Botha's Hill, Fields Hill and Cowies Hill. Halfway, near Drummond, are Arthur's Seat, where runners traditionally greet the spirit of Arthur Newton, and the Wall of Honour, where finishers' names are kept.
The medals
Every finisher inside 12 hours earns a medal, and its type depends on the time:
- Gold: the top ten men and top ten women
- Wally Hayward (men, to sub-6:00) and Isavel Roche-Kelly (women, to sub-7:00)
- Silver: to sub-7:30
- Bill Rowan: 7:30 to sub-9:00, named for the first winner's time
- Robert Mtshali: 9:00 to sub-10:00
- Bronze: 10:00 to sub-11:00
- Vic Clapham: 11:00 to sub-12:00, for the brave last hour
The 100th Comrades in 2027
The centenary race on Sunday 13 June 2027 is a down run, from Pietermaritzburg to a new finish venue in the Kings Park stadium precinct in Durban. The entry cap rises to 28,000 runners, which makes accommodation near Durban scarce for that weekend.
Cabana Mio is about 31 km by road from Kings Park, roughly half an hour without traffic. A three-bedroom chalet takes up to six runners or supporters, with a kitchen for the pre-race pasta and a braai for the night after.
Timeline
- 1921First race: 34 starters, 16 finishers; Bill Rowan wins in just under 9 hours.
- 1923Frances Hayward runs without an official entry, the first woman to complete it.
- 1953Wally Hayward becomes the first winner under six hours.
- 1975Women and Black runners officially welcomed; Elizabeth Cavanaugh is the first official women's winner.
- 1980sBruce Fordyce wins nine times, eight in a row: the men's record.
- 1989Wally Hayward finishes at 80, the oldest finisher.
- 2010Guinness World Records: most finishers in an ultramarathon.
- 2027The 100th race, a down run to Kings Park, on 13 June.
Questions
When is the 2027 Comrades Marathon?
Sunday 13 June 2027. It is the 100th race and a down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, finishing in the Kings Park stadium precinct.
How far is Cabana Mio from the Comrades finish?
About 31 km by road from Kings Park, roughly 27 minutes without traffic. On race day allow much longer: roads near the finish close.
How many people can stay in a chalet?
Up to six: a double room and two twin rooms. Groups book two or more chalets side by side.
What is the cut-off time?
12 hours. Runners who finish within it receive a medal; the type depends on their time.
Sources: Comrades Marathon Association: 2027 centenary launch · Comrades Marathon (Wikipedia) · History of the Comrades Marathon (Wikipedia). Facts checked October 2026; confirm dates with the organisers.
