Comrades Marathon
Race Day Weather
Mild start, warming finish
Runners will face a temperature rise from 53°F at the start to 76°F by the end, with humidity around 64%. Winds will be mild, reaching a maximum of 6 mph with variable crosswinds and tailwinds throughout the course. Those tackling the climbs, especially from miles 5 to 6 and 10 to 14, should pace conservatively in the heat. Hydration will be crucial, aiming for frequent intake as temperatures rise.
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Race Info
The Comrades Marathon is the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon, going strong since 1921 when it was founded by a WWI veteran to honor fallen soldiers. It alternates annually between the "up" run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg and the "down" run back, with each version offering its own set of challenges including the notorious "Big Five" hills like Polly Shortts. Runners face a tough elevation profile, gaining over 1,800 meters on the "up" run, while the "down" run provides a net descent to near sea level, all along diverse terrain from coastal roads to inland stretches.
