All the cliches about this race are true, it is the ultimate human race.

The route is relentless (but picturesque). However, the support and organisation is on a par with the big city marathons and even more impressive when you think there is not a quite spot on the entire 89km route.

Put quite simply - you are not a proper runner until you have run a Comrades - everything else pales in comparison!

Organization the day of the race, in one word: Awesome! And I have to say that for an international, this means a lot!

It all begins at number pick up, where you get all the instructions and a booklet with all the information about the race, including how many refreshment tables will be on the route and what kind of products you are going to find in each one... You also get the information about buying the bus ticket to make the route in bus on Friday morning before the race, with guides who explains you everything about it.(If you have family, don´t worry...you can buy tickets for them too.) If you are international runner, they also ask you if you want to buy special tickets for your family to go to the finish line the day of the race, and other tickets to stay in a special tent where they can eat and drink beverages while waiting, and where they can check how is going on with their runner in computers.

The day of the race is just THE DAY: 47 refreshment tables with water, Energade (like Powerade),Pepsi, in some of them potatoes, bananas, oranges, biscuits, power gels and a lot of other things that runners need. In some of them the supporters gave you vaseline, spray sunblock to you, and even gives you massages... I have been in Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami, and I have not seen this level of support for the runner!!!

And let's talk about the spectators: can´t be better... A lot of people in most part of the route, where they can have access..., giving support, calling your name and your Country, no words...!

And what about the South African runners? All the route they give support to the international runners, giving advices and words that gives you spirit and strength!

And during the race, your friends can see your advance during the race and your splits on the website...and you can have your finish time almost at the moment you arrive...

The only cons that I can say is the information on the web site, that most of the time was not update. It also gives little information for the international runners, specially about what facilities you have for the people who is giving you support the day of the race (family, friends, etc.). And the confirmation process of your entry is really slow... but this is nothing compares to the pros... And if you need help, you can contact to the ambassadors of the race: very kindly people who in a voluntary way helps others planning their Comrades race (emails are on the web).

The course is hard, because the hills are very long and they appear through all the course... But that's part of it's beauty!

And for South Africa, this is the RACE, so the days before and after the race, the Comrades Spirits will really gets to you, everybody and everything has to be with Comrades!!

I really recommend this race for any one who likes to enjoy something different!!!

This was my first Comrades Marathon. After a month I am still feeling the beats of finish line. The runners, the spectators, organization amazing. It is tough marathon. This year it was up run. It requires a tough hill training. I did in 10:48 hrs. Hills on the routes are really tough and one have to keep cool on the hills. One thing I can share, don't feel shy to walk if you are not sub 8 hrs finishers. People in South Africa treat this event as a festival. I definitely want to come again.

Comrades is a great race, no matter how old or young you are. Don't take this race lightly. On the day of the race, it is a matter of formalities. Don't try to impress anyone. if you don't feel well, stop running. It's not a cause for shame; you are still a hero. It takes guts just to get to the start, that's all....

This was my first enjoyable race that I have ever run. It also gives me the courage of knowing that I am one of the best in the world of running. I wish to run this amazing human race for the rest of my running life. The spectators are the most encouraging aspects of this lovely race. Long live the Comrades Marathon.

Underestimate the Comrades at your peril, just as I did. The first half was the best and most enjoyable run I have ever done. I went off too fast. The second half was agony; I walked the last 10K in extreme agony. But the finish was wonderful. I still feel the achievement with me three months later. It took six weeks plus for my legs to recover. This is a must-do event before you die or hang up your running shoes.

Comrades has it all - a great course, good organization, and fantastic support, history, and tradition.

In short, a great experience; it's not easy, but the sense of achievement on completion is immense. Possibly the best footrace on the planet.

Seriously consider hosting the race at the end of May - perhaps on a fixed date, such as the last Sunday in May. I would like the CMA to remain in May.

I ran in 1998, and it was an experience that I will never forget. The atmosphere was brilliant. I would love to complete another Comrades.

The finishing point is amazing. This is the ultimate human race -- the Comrades Marathon.