Durban Comrades Marathon 2009

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It is that time of the year where South Africa’s where thousands of people flock to Durban for the annual Comrades Marathon. This world renowned marathon started back in 1921 and was the idea of the First World War’s veteran, Vic Clapham, who wanted a living memorial for all the South African soldiers who died in the war. Clapham wanted the living memorial to showcase a characteristic all the soldiers had shown, and that was physical endurance. But it wasn’t only the soldiers who showed exceptional endurance; Clapham had to endure a 2 700 kilometer route march through the scorching German East Africa.

Since its origin in 1921 the race has been run every year except between 1941 and 1945 because of World War II. The first race in 1921 only had 48 participants but when the gunshot fired only 34 runners had the nerve to start and complete the daunting task that lay ahead of them. It wasn’t surprising though because back in those days most of the race consisted out of gravel and only the last few kilometers heading into Durban were tarred. A time limit of 12 hours was set and the first runner to ever win the Comrades Marathon was Bill Rowan clocking eight hours and 59 minutes. Of the 34 runners only 16 completed the race eventually.

Today, more than eight decades later, the Comrades Marathon has turned out to be the world’s greatest ultra marathon and attracts thousands of runners around the globe to participate in this grueling marathon that is 90 kilometers long. If this doesn’t test the runners’ physical endurance I don’t know what will because this race is known for its body sapping challenge it poses. The race takes place between Kwazulu-Natal’s capital, Pietermaritzburg and the coastal city of Durban on 24 May 2009. It alternates every year between the up run from Durban and the dun run from Pietermaritzburg.

If you are participating in the Comrades Marathon you’ll need a place to stay. Durban boasts many beautiful coastal shores that are very popular under holiday makers like Umhlanga and Ballito. No.5 Casa Playa is a luxurious, self-catering luxury apartment situated on Umhlanga Rocks’s main beach. It is an ideal location if you are there for hte Comrades Marathon. Visit them at Umhlanga Rocks Accommodation

This luxury self catering apartment in Umhlanga Rocks has so much to offer.

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