I've been dreaming of running this super race since I've started to run. My first marathon was in 2005, and my preparation and developments since then have been rewarded. The Comrades is magnificent, the organization is impeccable, and the wonderful and difficult journey and fans are exceptional. The support along the route and the great aid during the race made it my best ever. My plan to complete it in under 9 hours was also successful: 8:27 of pure fun and joy.

I want to congratulate all of the people involved in this year's event. Firstly, I was impressed by the kilometer marking; I think every kilometer from the 3rd to the last was marked. That is outstanding, but I think you have to review the new rule of not helping people to cross the line. This is nonsense. You have to change it; please, change that rule or change the name of the race. Thank you.

I am an asthmatic. I ran in order to help raise funds for charity. It was tough, but I have done it as my 2nd and i was rewarded by getting a back-to-back medal after finishing it.

This race is for marking in all the life. I completed in 2004. After 3 years, I came back to complete in 2007, because it is sensational. The first one was the "uphill." I trained very hard. In preparation, I covered more than 2,150 KM in 5 months. The average for training is more than 100 KM for month. And, I dedicated more than 250 hours in that training period. But I am certain that the 7 marathons made in the previous year counted towards my preparation.

Comrades is special - much adrenalin. Very good to be able to run a ultra-marathon of this level. It is not easy to face. Many things can happen in 87 KM. Everything is a blessing. When you approach the city, you can run better due to the energy of the people who are applauding all time. I remember all of it. The end is fantastic. It is impossible to leave and not to be thankful. I cried with joy. People learn a lot at the Comrades.

In 2005, I had that to have a small surgery to eliminate cardiac arrhythmia. I recovered quickly, and trained again in 2006. In 2007, I trained seriously again. I decided to submit to the challenge of the Comrades. I surpassed it easily, and I gained the Down Hill medal, now with 89.3 KM. And, I also gained the back-to-back medal, because I completed the Up Run and a Down Run. I recommend it to all of my running friends. I recommend making time in your life to have this experience.

- Antenor Sakamoto - 22592, from BRAZIL.

I have just read with great interest the above articles on the Comrades Marathon. To say the least they made me feel so 'homesick'. The last time I ran this race was in 1998 and this was my 14th time. I used to live in Durban and am now living in London. This year I managed to get a charity place in the London Marathon. I enjoyed the London very much - lots of support but it just wasn't the same as Comrades. It was good to see that Comrades had a stand at Excel which was the registering centre for the London Marathon and to see their video and many of my old acquaintances was just wonderful and brought back many many happy memories. There can't possibly be a better race in the world than Kwa Zulu Natal's Comrades Marathon. Please keep it like this.

I ran in the "down course" in 2005, and it was by far the most fantastic running expereince of my life! The race is held on a South African holiday: "Youth Day." The national coverage can't be beat - every runner is a hero who covers the distance. The course is absolutly amazing, and filled with beautiful scenery and the most challenging mountains to run up. Expo in Durban was just great: a must is to attend the seminars on "how to handle and run the course." The aid stations were plentiful, and the support on the course was first-rate. A most challenging ultra marathon - not to be taken lightly. I was very lucky to run the second half of the run with a gentleman who kept pace for many miles, and we certainly agree with the naming of this race: "Comrades" - as you never really do run alone. The fellow runners are just amazing. Every runner should do this race "at least once in their lifetime." The South African hospitality is awesome, and the reception all international runners recieve is unbelievable: a private bus tour the day before; tea reception at the Comrades Museum; and a guided tour mile by mile. All distances are metric and reversed from the start. Good luck to all Comrades runners in the 2006 "up" race.

I started running Comrades in 2001; I had flu just 2 days before the race so I went ahead and ran. Big mistake! I couldn't make it on time to halfway, I was a few seconds out, which was a blessing in disguise because if I continued I would have suffered. The following year I ran again but I stopped at 37 KM; I tried again 2003 and I made it in 11:52, which I was very happy with. In 2004 I ran again, but stopped at 3 KM to go due to a hip injury and I had less than 15 minutes to go, so I decided to get into Imperial. Last year I did it again, completed it in 11:56, dragging my leg to the finish. I'm going to miss it this year due to the hip injury again. I had my reservations when I did Two Oceans; I said I would do Comrades if I ran well in Two Oceans. But I didn't run well, so I will have to miss it, but next year I'm in the game. I enjoy Comrades so much that even if I don't feel 100% fit, I still go and do it just for the fun of it; the camaraderie, the support from people on the road is tremendous. Keep up the good work!

Comrades is an awesome experience; the spectators, the course and the camaraderie between the runners makes it a very special day. Not to be taken lightly!

I ran this in 2005 - it took me 11 hours & 15 minutes. Great day. Aiming to do the 'up' in 2006.

As a lifetime running experience, this is probably it. It has 90 KM's of huge hills, steep descents and long, never-ending flat stretches. This is a race that will test not only your legs, but your mental tenacity. Expect temperatures of about 30 degrees C when the sun it up. Enjoy the best, most inspiring spectator support you will ever receive in a race - these people get up at 5:00 in the morning to catch the frontrunners and pack up their bags when the last runner has passed them. Picture a stadium resonating with the sound of cheering when you eventually cross the line. A truly inspirational race that will leave your running career changed for life. I have completed 14 and will continue to run it for as long as my body holds out. Thirty completed races is my target, so I am only about halfway through the challenge. Good luck....