Sweat, tears and camaraderie as 20,000 runners take on world’s largest ultramarathon
For one day every June, South Africa’s searing racial inequality seems to melt away at Comrades race In the early morning dark, thousands of runners waited, jostling with anticipation. South Africa’s national anthem rang out. Then the haunting swell of Shosholoza , first sung by Zimbabwean migrant workers in South Africa’s goldmines. Finally, that unmistakable, spine-tingling piano: Chariots of Fire. Runners gather before the start of the marathon Continue reading...
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Athletes gather before the start of the Comrades Marathon in Durban. Photograph: James Oatway/The GuardianFor one day every June, South Africa’s searing racial inequality seems to melt away at Comrades raceBy Rachel Savage in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Photographs by James OatwaySun 21 Jun 2026 04.00 EDTLast modified on Sun 21 Jun 2026 04.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIn the early morning dark, thousands of runners waited, jostling with anticipation. South Africa’s national anthem rang out. Then the haunting swell of Shosholoza, first sung by Zimbabwean migrant workers in South Africa’s goldmines. Finally, that unmistakable, spine-tingling piano: Chariots of Fire.View image in fullscreen Runners gather before the start of the marathon 5am. A cock crowed. A gun fired.
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