Two Brothers, One Ultramarathon, and a Legendary Running Cheat
In the world of ultramarathons—extreme races that push human endurance to the limit—the Comrades Marathon stands out. This historic event has been held for over 90 years, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious ultramarathons. Every May, thousands of runners tackle its challenging 90-kilometer (56.1-mile) course along South Africa’s rugged terrain, stretching between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
What makes the Comrades Marathon even more remarkable is its sheer scale. Each year, about 23,000 runners sign up to face this grueling challenge. While the race officially allows up to 12 hours to finish, elite athletes complete it in under six. Those who fail to meet the time limit are “swept up by the broom wagon,” a vehicle that picks up runners unable to continue. Many of these runners collapse from exhaustion, their bodies wracked with cramps as they desperately attempt to reach the finish line.