How long is the Comrades Marathon?

The Comrades Marathon is 89.6 kilometers (55.7 miles).

Where does the Comrades Marathon take place?

The Comrades Marathon takes place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

What is the Comrades Marathon course record?

The men's course record is 5:13:58, set by Tete Dijana in 2023.

Who holds the women's Comrades Marathon course record?

The women's course record is 5:44:54, set by Gerda Steyn in 2023.

Comrades Marathon: Results, Course Records & History

The Comrades Marathon is the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon, running between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. The route alternates direction annually — the "up run" goes inland to Pietermaritzburg and the "down run" heads to the coast at Durban. It is a national institution in South Africa.

ITRA 3 Endurance Points

Est.

1921

Distance

89.6km / 55.7mi

Course

Point-to-point

Surface

Road

Elev. Gain

1700m

Elev. Loss

850m

Field Size

~15,000

When

June

Time Limit

12h

THE COURSE

Gain

+1700m

Loss

-850m

MI 0

KM 0

Pietermaritzburg Start (Up Run)

On up-run years, the race starts at Durban City Hall and finishes in Pietermaritzburg. On down-run years, the direction reverses. The start of any Comrades is a deeply emotional experience for 15,000+ runners.

ELEV: 2067ft

MI 8

KM 13

Cowies Hill

The first significant hill challenges runners early. The residential neighborhood provides incredible crowd support, with music, food, and water handed out by locals.

ELEV: 1900ft

MI 22

KM 35

The Big Five Hills

Fields Hill, Botha's Hill, Inchanga, Cato Ridge, and Polly Shortts — the five brutal climbs that define the Comrades up run. Each one progressively tests the legs.

ELEV: 2300ft

MI 42

KM 68

Drummond

By Drummond, the cut-off times begin to bite. Runners still fighting for a sub-12-hour finish must maintain discipline. The community support in this stretch is legendary.

ELEV: 2500ft

MI 55.7

KM 89.6

Pietermaritzburg Finish (Up Run)

The finish at Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg (up run). Runners who complete Comrades 10 times earn a permanent green number and "Green Number" status — the highest honor.

ELEV: 2067ft