Comrades Marathon
Known as the greatest ultra-marathon in South Africa, the famous Comrades Marathon is held annually in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. It’s an agonising 89 km long and is internationally recognised for the body-sapping challenge it poses.
Thousands of participants run from Pietermaritzburg to the coastal town of Durban, alternating directions every year.
The race was designed by First World War veteran Vic Clapham as an honorary test of physical endurance. The first race took place in 1921 and has since then been a staple South African running event.
Amashova Cycle Race
Amashova Cycle Race is one of the toughest, most gruelling cycling races in South Africa. It’s held annually with thousands of participants tackling the 106 km road race. The first race was held in 2009 and follows a similar route to that of the Comrades Marathon, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. There is also an Amashova 65 km Half Challenge and Sunday Tribune Amashova family fun ride, which is 38 km and much less strenuous. Although it is held when the area is most humid, it’s a great race for those who want to push their limits and test their endurance skills.
Midmar Mile
For those who prefer tough water sports, the Midmar Mile is an annual open water swimming event, the world’s largest at that. It is held at the Midmar Dam north of Pietermaritzburg, and the event gets its name from its location. The distance covered varies from year to year - with poor rainfall, participants must start with the infamous Midmar sprint, running across the muddy lake-shore and through the shallows until the water is deep enough to swim.
As thousands participate every year, swimmers complete the race in groups in 2-minute intervals over the course of two days.