Annual Long-Distance Race: Comrades Marathon 2022
Comrades Marathon 2022: The Ultimate Human Race Returns
The Comrades Marathon, known as "The Ultimate Human Race", is set to take place on 28 August 2022, marking another year of this historic ultramarathon in South Africa. This annual event, which alternates between an "up-run" and a "down-run", will this year be a "DOWN RUN" that spans 90km, starting at the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg and finishing at the Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
First run on 24 May 1921, the Comrades Marathon was founded by World War I veteran Vic Clapham as a tribute to fallen soldiers. Over the years, it has grown into a prestigious event celebrated nationwide. In 1975, formal qualifying criteria were introduced, requiring runners to complete a marathon under 4 hours 30 minutes to ensure entrants could finish.
Qualifying for the Comrades Marathon requires meeting specific time standards on approved marathon events. The race rules are governed by the Comrades Marathon Association, focusing on safety, fairness, and eligibility. There are cut off points in the Comrades Marathon that need to be reached by a prescribed time or runners will be forced to retire from the race.
The Comrades Marathon is marked by "The Big Five" set of hills, adding to its challenging route. The highest point of the race is near the Umlaas Road interchange, which is 870m above sea level. The race engages South Africa, creating a vibrant atmosphere during race week that energizes the athletes and spectators alike.
Fun facts include that the Comrades Marathon is significantly longer than a traditional marathon, making it a unique endurance challenge. It is also the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon. Over 300,000 runners have completed the Comrades Marathon to date.
The Comrades Marathon 2022 has a 12-hour time limit for completion. Hollywoodbets is the proud and official sponsor of the race number and the race's halfway mark at Drummond.
Members of the Green Number Club, an exclusive band of individuals who have a special relationship with the Comrades Marathon, are also part of the event. Runners who have completed 10 Comrades Marathons wear a green number, while those who have completed 9 Comrades Marathons wear yellow numbers. The criteria for inclusion in the Green Number Club Roll of Honour are 3 wins, 5 golds, or 10 plus medals.
The Comrades Marathon, with its rich history and cultural significance, continues to be considered one of the most challenging ultramarathons globally, redefining human endurance year after year.
Sports enthusiasts might find an alternative form of excitement this year, as the Comrades Marathon takes a break from its running tradition to provide a platform for sports-betting activities at various casino games. Whether you're cheering on the runners or placing your bets on their performance, the Comrades Marathon 2022 offers a diverse array of entertainment for all.
