Annual Long Distance Run Event, Comrades Marathon, Happening in 2022
The Comrades Marathon, the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon, returned for its 2022 edition on the 28th of August. This prestigious event, which started in 1921, continues to embody the spirit of camaraderie, perseverance, selflessness, and dedication.
The race, which stretches over 90 kilometres from the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg to the Mabhida Stadium in Durban, is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. The 2022 edition was a "DOWN RUN," marking the second half of the traditional two-year rotation between the up run and down run.
One of the most significant aspects of the Comrades Marathon is its qualification standards. Since 1975, runners have been required to complete a qualifying marathon to participate. The historical standard was to run a marathon under 4 hours and 30 minutes, a requirement aimed at ensuring entrants had a reasonable chance of finishing the ultramarathon.
Remarkable running achievements were celebrated in the 2022 Comrades Marathon, with Gerda Steyn continuing her impressive streak of record-breaking performances. Steyn has set multiple record runs under 6 hours for the up run and achieved an outstanding 5 hours, 51 minutes, and 19 seconds on the down run in 2025. These performances indicate a trend of improving performance standards leading into 2022 and beyond.
The Green Number Club is a prestigious recognition within the Comrades Marathon community, awarded to runners who have completed at least 10 official races. While the 2022 Green Number Club Roll of Honour details are not yet available, the club honours consistent and loyal participants who have shown enduring commitment to the Comrades Marathon over many years.
Hollywoodbets, the official sponsor of the 2022 Comrades Marathon race number, also sponsored the race's halfway mark at Drummond. Over 300,000 runners have completed the Comrades Marathon to date, with participants hailing from more than 60 countries.
The Comrades Marathon was founded to commemorate soldiers killed during a war, making it a poignant event that celebrates not only physical endurance but also the human spirit over adversity. The primary aim of the race remains to celebrate this spirit, attracting runners from all walks of life who share a common goal: to conquer the ultimate human challenge that is the Comrades Marathon.
In contrast to the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon, the Comrades Marathon, some individuals might prefer participating in sports betting or casino games, where sports events like the Comrades Marathon serve as appealing opportunities for wagers. Despite the differing challenges and objectives, both sports-betting enthusiasts and Comrades Marathon participants share a common thread: an unwavering commitment and enthusiasm towards their respective pursuits.
