I moved to SA in 1990 from UK and had never done any running before apart from team sports. I took up running in 1992 and have not stopped since. Running is an ongoing activity in my my life due to my time in SA.

On successfully finishing a standard marathon which was my initial goal, I decided to do Comrades as I had watched a couple as a spectator and thought, "Why not have a go?" I am glad I did, and I did my first in 1994 and have sucessfully completed 5 in total. I am so proud to be able to say that I have completed this magnificent road race even though it was the toughest event I have ever done.

The sense of achievement will be very difficult to surpass - I truly believe this. The support from the spectators is something that can never be underestimated as it is such a source of strength and encouragement and they are always there in huge numbers.

I have since left left SA and moved back to my native Ireland with my family. I tell people about this event and they find it difficult to believe that people run this race year in and year out.

I have such wonderful memories of this event - the physical demands, the elation on finishing, 4 silver medals and a bronze to show for it.

Forever a grateful Comrades runner,

Tim McCarthy

I ran Comrades in 2003, and plan on running it again in 2005--this time, I want to break nine hours and wear a Bill Rowan medal for the rest of my life.

Obviously, running Comrades isn't just something you decide to do, because you've got a spot open on your calender for June 16th. If you're going to go to all the expense & effort to run Comrades (esp. for the international runners), you're making a real commitment. I'm not going to wax on & on about what a great race this is. Suffice it to say, it lives up to all the hype & then some. South Africa itself is also thrilling. If you are old enough to have any memory about what S.A. was like during apartheid (even if you've never been there), the progress in the last ten years is nothing short of miraculous. If you are even remotely considering this race, go for it.

Here's some advice that I wish I knew ahead of time. First, S.A. currency is restricted. There is a fairly open 'black market' of people who will exchange your dollars for rand (SA currency), but you're better off without the hassle. Instead, go ahead & convert as much currency as you think you'll need, then keep your extra cash in either a hotel or room safe. Don't even bother with travelers' checks.

Stay in a bed & breakfast, as opposed to a 'tourist' motel. In Cape Town, I stayed at a B&B with an English couple, and Durban I stayed with a Dutch/Afrikaner. The slightly different perspectives were interesting, but they were equal in gracious hospitality.

If you go to S.A., and do not take the tour of Robbin Island, where Nelson Mandela & other political prisoners were held, there is no hope for you. the island has **great** WWII history, amazing fauna, and great guides. If you can, go towards the end of the day. The tours are less rushed, and you can see more stuff.

The whole look & feel of Cape Town is Southern California, but during the late sixties--before the constant building booms.

In 2003, the exchange rate for US dollars to rand was very favorable. I'd say I ate like a king, but I really mean pig. In both quality & quantity, I ate meals that would be seventy (US) where I live, but were less than twenty (US).

One note on training--it's tough to find, but Fordyce's book 'Running the Comrades' really is the best guide. Although, I also used Noakes Lore of Running, and the book from Ultrarunners (I think) 'A Step Beyond.'

But once you're in S.A., get out and see the country--read the literature. Charles Bosworth... I'm going to have to edit this... is great.

If you're an American, and you're going to be there in 2005, let me know. Coffee's on me.

After watching this race on TV year after year, I was always inspired by each and everyone - from all walks of life. Just knowing this was something that I had to do, I traveled to Durban in 1998 to watch and support a friend. It was clear that the next year I would be there. (Get to the start).

Never doubting my ability to complete this race, I knew I would be a winner by just doing it. It was an amazing experience and one that I will treasure forever. The finish was just something unreal, the crowd support, simply unbelievable. Now living in the USA, I am delighted to be able track the event on-line, and in doing so, I share the pain and glory of all. Still need to do the down run, so, when the opportunity allows, I'll be back - for sure !

I have run races all over the world including New York Marathon, London Marathon, Paris Marathon, Sydney Marathon, Barcelona Marathon and more than 50 others, but Comrades beats them all by miles. Best organization, atmosphere and crowd support.

And the feeling when running into the finishing area cannot be beaten anywhere.

Come to South Africa to experience more than a race but a life challenge. Whether running up to Pietermaritzburg or the reverse down to Durban, it's a challenge you will remember forever. People will look at you with a strange and confused look - you ran how far!! Only 88 km's.

greetings fellow runners

I have run a mere 5 Comrades (1979-1983) but have lived at various places along it's route. In training, I got to know almost every inch (sorry centimeter) of the road; every bump; every uneven surface or crumbling macadam - every possible relief point.

The emotions that this event - nay experience, has evoked in me, is beyond words. I have smiled and laughed and puked and died many a time along this arduous but scenic route. Regardless of the pain and suffereing, I have never failed to cross the finishing line in a tremendous sprint.

But most of all; let us not forget the camaradarie of not only my or our own clubs (Spartan Harriers - 1979-80; Savages - 1981, Rocky Road Runners -1982-83) but of the thousands of fellow runners - some speedsters, some plodders some just out to have a good time; everyone with a courage and determination - to be at one with humanity.

Let us not forget 'Brucey' and the magic he brought to the race, or Manie Khun, Alan Robb, Hosea Tsale, Chris Mkize, the duo of Graeme Fraser & Tony Abbott, Derrick Tivers, Dave Wright, Liege Boulle, Clive Crawley, Cheryl Jorgensen, Ralie Smit, Helen Lucre, Lise Warren and others who became our hares/rabbits - hero's.

Who will forget those mad-men from Yellowood Athletic Club who ran on beer alone for their fluid intake, followed by a full-blown breakfast at Drummond Inn.

Who will forget the Gunga Din trophy which Hillcrest Harriers believed to be theirs - only to be lent out to Germiston or RAC(Rand Athletic Club)

Those were indeed the magic years of Comrades.

Who will forget the year that they tried to include Comrades as part of the Republic of South Africa celebrations, when Bruce Fordyce wore his black armband in protest; where I was threatened with bodily harm by my several fellow savages club members, if I followed suit.

Who will forget that indelible 11th hour, when Mick Winn turned his back on the oncoming runners, before he fired that damning gun-shot - ending the race for all . . . (what, 13 hour cut-off now; what are we coming to . . . ?)

It mattered little, whether I finished half-way down the pack or closer to the bottom; every year was a winners year for me, as it was for every one of the 15-24 thousand runners each year.

How can we forget the thousands upon thousands of people who lined the route from Kloof to Camperdown - many from deep within valley of 1000 hills, who welcomed us all with great smiles and words of encouragement.

Just being part of this illustrious event is enough to make oneself feel proud.


Owen R. Greenland
(a.k.a. Sharif Shah-Bilal)
Washington, DC

I ran this race in 2000, with 24 000 other runners. It's for me the most incredible race I have ever done. Months and months of training to get ready for the 16th of june. The start in the dark very early in the morning is amazing. The support from spectators was also incredible all along the 87 kms. It links 2 cities Durban and Pietermaritzburg, in Natal. The race is either up-hill or down hill, it changes every year, 2000 was up-hill starting from durban (0 to 800 meter high), so 2001 will be down-hill, faster but harder for the legs. Passing the finish line is a unique sensation that I still remenber now and for long... a must for all marathon runners. But get prepare for a extreme physical challenge. At least 800 kms of running before the race is a minimum to be sure to 'enjoy' it. It is worth the effort without any doubt.

My boyfriend and I picked this race as our first ultra and to celebrate 2000. I thought it would be fun to put USA and my hometown on my singlet to let other runners that may be from the US know that we were too. I was so surprised to hear tens of thousands, and I'm not exaggerating, of spectators cheering us on. 'Go Yankees!', 'Go USA!', 'Go America', 'Go Lady!'. I've never witnessed such enthusiastic and warm-hearted people as those along the course in South Africa. The countryside was beautiful, Durban is a great beach town, and Comrades is a great way to experience the South African culture.

More water and food for back runners would be great. 24 000 was a big ask, and all in all in was quite good, but I would prefer to run the race with less runners and an 11hr cut off.