Expectation VS Reality: Running The Comrades Ultra Marathon

“How many Comrades have you run?”

It’s a common question in South Africa, often asked right after someone hears you ran a Parkrun. Elsewhere, running a marathon is a major achievement, but here, it’s just a qualifier for the big one—the Comrades Marathon.

Most South Africans have some connection to this race. Whether they’ve watched it on TV, supported runners on the sidelines, or know someone crazy enough to take on the 90 km journey, Comrades is part of our national identity.

Dubbed the Ultimate Human Race, Comrades is more than just a footrace. It’s woven into South African folklore—not just because of the grueling distance, strict 12-hour cut-off, or legendary athletic feats, but because of its ability to unite people. The camaraderie shared on race day is unlike anything else. You might start the race with your own personal goals, but you finish with a deep appreciation for the team sport that running truly is.

I can confidently say it’s the hardest yet most rewarding journey I have ever embarked on. It has revealed strengths I never knew I had—far beyond running itself. Initially, I thought I’d only do one or two, yet here I am, preparing for my fourth Comrades on June 8, 2025. The Ultimate Race keeps you coming back for more.

My personal journey with the race:

I ran my first marathon in 2018. Before I knew it, I had joined my local running club and signed up for the 2019 Comrades “Up Run”.

Unlike many South Africans, my Comrades history doesn’t go back generations. I moved from Italy to Durban at age 11, so I first became aware of the race in my late teens, noticing the buzz around town in June. My first experience was on TV—I had no concept of distance running back then, let alone 90 km! Over time, my curiosity grew, but it wasn’t until I watched the 2018 Down Run in person that I truly understood its magic. The energy, the emotion, the thousands of runners—it was electric. That’s when I knew: one day, I had to do this race.

Like any inexperienced novice, I signed up with little knowledge of what I was getting into. The five months between January and June were a steep learning curve, but my club’s mentorship helped me navigate it. On race day, I felt supported from start to finish and ran an 8h15 Novice debut. It wasn’t all smooth sailing—I cried every time I saw my wife or heard my name, almost choked on a peanut butter bar mid-sob (a sight to behold, I’m sure), and cramped badly in the final 10 km. But nothing could overshadow the overwhelming support from strangers who cheered like I was the star of the show. The sense of accomplishment crossing that finish line was unmatched. I couldn’t walk for five days afterward, but I didn’t care—I was now a Comrades finisher.

Then came COVID-19, which put my Comrades journey on hold. But when the 2022 Down Run was announced, I entered on Day 1 of registrations. This was my back-to-back attempt, an opportunity to earn a special medal for completing consecutive years. With three years to train and more experience under my belt, I expected big things.

Comrades quickly humbled me.

I aimed for a sub-7-hour finish and was on track—until I wasn’t. At 65 km, things got tough. By 85 km, I hit a wall, holding onto guardrails to stay upright. The final 5 km were a painful mix of walking, sulking, and regret. I finished in 7h26, securing a Silver Medal, but my confidence was shattered. I had underestimated the race. My mentor reminded me: “To succeed, you must be willing to fail.” I realized I had lost the essence of Comrades. No goosebumps, no smiles, no camaraderie—just a relentless push for a time goal. I vowed never to let that happen again.

In 2023, I chose to spectate instead. Running up and down alongside my clubmates and athletes I was now coaching, I saw the race from a fresh perspective. It reignited my passion. Inspired, I set my sights on the 2024 Up Run.

After a PB marathon early in 2024, I felt stronger than ever. This time, I approached Comrades differently - I focused on enjoying the experience rather than obsessing over time. I soaked up the atmosphere, smiled for the cameras, and embraced the emotional highs and lows. I finished ahead of my goal, with a time of 6h:47min, feeling the strongest I ever had and eager for more.

Comrades is like a boxer - every time you think you’ve conquered it, it stands back up. Expectation: You train hard, execute your race plan, and everything falls into place. Reality: The race will test you in ways you never expected. To succeed, you need resilience, mental sharpness, and grit. 2024 was my perfect race, but only because the past six years had prepared me for its unpredictability.

Now, as I prepare for the 2025 Down Run, I remind myself of the Reality; Comrades has a way of humbling even the best-prepared runners. It will throw its curveballs, demanding patience, adaptability, and a deep well of determination. If there’s one lesson I hope you take from my journey, it’s this - embrace both the expectation and the reality, because that’s where the true magic of Comrades lies.

5 Lessons I’ve Learned:

1. Race-day success starts long before June – Getting to the start line in peak shape is 90% of the battle.
2. Ultra running is as mental as it is physical – You have to believe in yourself.
3. Set realistic goals – Ambition is great, but be honest about your fitness level.
4. Respect the race – Have a solid plan and stick to it. Patience is key.
5. You will experience highs and lows – Stay resilient and keep moving. Think about all the hard work you put in and use that as jet fuel at the darkest times, it always gets better.

5 Top Tips for First-Time Comrades Runners:

1. Dial in your nutrition – Test everything in training. Have a backup plan for race day.
2. Find a pacing group – Running with others can keep you steady and motivated.
3. Feed off the energy – The crowd is your fuel. Smile, wave, and soak it in!
4. Expect the unexpected – The race will challenge you in ways you can’t predict. Adapt and push through.
5. Enjoy the journey – It’s tough, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.

Comrades isn’t just a race—it’s an experience that changes you. If you’re taking on Comrades 2025, get ready for the journey of a lifetime. See you at the start line!