Start training for the 2027 Comrades Marathon today by building a consistent running routine, as this gruelling 90km challenge unites and inspires runners worldwide. Picture: Google Gemini
Image: Google Gemini
One thing that cannot be disputed about the Comrades Marathon is its power to unite and inspire.
It’s difficult to find exact statistics, but I would imagine Comrades is one of the most successful sporting events in the world when it comes to turning non-runners into runners.
That’s the thing about Comrades. Almost anyone can do it.
But just because almost anyone can do it, doesn’t mean it’s easy. In fact, it’s one of the most gruelling and demanding physical challenges on the planet.
You’re running close to 90km, with the primary goal simply being to finish within the 12-hour cut-off. Humans aren’t really designed to run continuously for that long, and yet every year more than 20,000 runners line up to take on the challenge.
Whether you’re watching on television or standing somewhere along the route, one thing is almost guaranteed: you’ll leave inspired.
So how does someone who has never run before commit to doing the 2027 Comrades Marathon?
The first step is the hardest.
And that step is simply lacing up a pair of takkies (preferably something comfortable), walking out your front door and getting moving.
If you’ve never run by choice before, start with walking.
The secret isn’t speed or distance at first. It’s building a routine.
I’d also hazard a guess that many recreational Comrades runners do far less training than they ideally should. The runners who succeed are often not the most talented, but the most consistent.
Don’t wait until January 2027 to start preparing. Start now.
Begin with two run-walk sessions per week. In the second month, increase that to three sessions. By the third month, try to get out four times a week if your body can handle it.
After that, it becomes about maintaining the habit and gradually increasing your distance and fitness over time.
It’s also important to understand that getting fit enough to run can be uncomfortable at first. Running rarely feels easy in the beginning.
But the payoff is worth the effort.
Even before you enter a race or begin thinking seriously about Comrades qualification, focus on building that routine.
Commit to becoming healthier. Commit to spending time outdoors. Commit to doing something difficult.
Because even if you don’t make it to the Comrades start line in 2027 — and you absolutely can if you start now — running is one of the healthiest and most rewarding hobbies you can make your own.