Sweat, tears and camaraderie as 20,000 runners take on world’s largest ultramarathon

Sweat, Tears, and Shared Spirit Define the World’s Most Iconic Ultramarathon

Sweat tears and camaraderie as 20 000 - In the predawn hours, a sea of runners stood poised, their breaths visible in the chill air. The city of Durban, South Africa, buzzed with anticipation as thousands gathered outside the local city hall, a place that would soon witness the start of the Comrades ultramarathon. This year’s edition, held on 14 June 2026, drew more than 20,000 participants, a number that underscores the race’s enduring popularity. As the sun began to rise, the event’s signature anthem—the national anthem of South Africa—echoed through the streets, followed by the soulful strains of Shosholoza, a song once sung by Zimbabwean laborers in the mines. The final note, a haunting piano melody from the film *Chariots of Fire*, marked the countdown to the race’s commencement. With a loud gunshot, the runners surged forward, their determination etched in every step.

The Comrades: A Legacy of Resilience and Transformation

The Comrades marathon, celebrated as the world’s most storied and expansive ultramarathon, traces its roots to 1921. Conceived by World War I veteran Vic Clapham, the race initially spanned 54.6 miles (88km), carrying runners from the inland city of Pietermaritzburg to the coastal town of Durban. The route’s direction has alternated annually, a tradition that began in 1922 when the course was reversed to climb back uphill to Pietermaritzburg. This alternation between the “down run” and “up run” has persisted, interrupted only by the second world war and the global pandemic. Over its 99 iterations, the race has consistently covered just under 55 miles, a distance that tests both body and spirit.

The race’s early years were marked by exclusivity. In its first edition, 34 white men lined up to compete, a symbol of the era’s racial divisions. Only 16 of them finished, a testament to the grueling nature of the course. Fast forward to 1923, when Frances Hayward became the first woman to complete the Comrades, breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. A decade later, in 1935, Robert Mtshali made history as the first Black competitor to finish the race, a milestone that reflected South Africa’s shifting social landscape. Yet, for much of the 20th century, the Comrades remained a white male affair, with official rules restricting participation to those of the dominant race.

A Personal Journey: From Depression to Determination

Amid the sea of runners, one story stood out: that of William Seleka, a 38-year-old from Johannesburg. Seleka’s journey began in March 2025, when he found himself grappling with the aftermath of a fractured marriage. “I thought for me to stay alive, I had to keep myself busy,” he shared, stretching in the modest room he rents in the Alexandra township. Seleka joined Run Alex, a community-based running club, as a way to reclaim his focus. What started as a daily routine of 10km runs after work became a transformative experience. Six months later, he had completed a 50km ultramarathon, covering the distance from Johannesburg to Pretoria—a feat once deemed impossible for him.

“I used to hear people saying, ‘This is Comrades, you are running from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.’ I said, ‘It’s insane, you can’t do that.’ But now we are facing reality – I’m doing that as well,” Seleka reflected.

Seleka’s resolve is emblematic of the Comrades’ broader evolution. What was once a symbol of racial privilege has become a platform for inclusivity. The race now attracts a diverse array of participants, from security guards to shop workers, alongside bankers and celebrities. For one day each June, the country’s deep-seated inequalities seem to fade, replaced by a shared purpose that unites all who take part. This year’s race saw runners departing in three waves—5am, 5.15am, and 5.30am—each carrying their own stories of perseverance and hope.

Overcoming Barriers: A Race That Transcends Borders

As the race unfolded, the terrain posed its own challenges. On the “up run,” participants faced a vertical climb of approximately 1,800 meters (5,900ft), a distance 650 meters higher than the “down run.” The route passed through Pinetown, a suburb above Durban, where the sun began to rise about 12 miles into the event. Spectators lined the streets, their cheers a constant backdrop to the runners’ struggle. When William Seleka emerged from the hills, his face lit with triumph, the crowd erupted in applause. “Good to see you,” he said, extending a warm hug to his supporters, his words a bridge between personal and collective achievement.

The Comrades’ desegregation in 1975 marked a turning point, allowing women and Black athletes to join the ranks of competitors. This shift came during a period of profound change for South Africa, as the nation was excluded from global sporting events due to apartheid. “Some people in the sporting world in South Africa believed that desegregating minor sports would demonstrate the country’s progress,” said Ryan Lenora Brown, a journalist who has chronicled the Comrades since 2017. The race became a microcosm of national transformation, its inclusivity reflecting broader societal shifts.

Today, the Comrades is more than a sporting event—it is a cultural phenomenon. Running clubs from every corner of the country converge in Durban, their members eager to contribute to the race’s legacy. The presence of everyday workers, students, and retirees alongside elite athletes highlights the race’s universal appeal. For many, the Comrades is a personal quest, a chance to conquer fear, build resilience, or create a lasting memory for their families. As Seleka noted, the medal and red cap he earns will not only mark his success but also serve as a tangible legacy for his children.

Despite its popularity, the Comrades remains a test of endurance. The 12-hour cutoff for the “up run” is a reminder of the race’s physical demands, as runners navigate steep inclines and scorching heat. Yet, these challenges are matched by the camaraderie that defines the event. Volunteers offer support, spectators cheer loudly, and competitors exchange words of encouragement, forging bonds that transcend individual goals. In this way, the Comrades is not just a race—it is a celebration of human spirit, a testament to the power of perseverance, and a symbol of a nation’s journey toward unity.

As the 2026 Comrades concluded, its impact lingered. The race has long been a bridge between past and present, its history a reminder of the struggles that shaped South Africa’s identity. Today, it stands as a beacon of hope, where thousands come together to honor the legacy of those who paved the way. Whether the runners are racing downhill or climbing uphill, they carry the weight of history on their shoulders, their footsteps echoing the nation’s progress. The Comrades continues to inspire, proving that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome through courage, community, and an unyielding belief in the power of movement.