Comrades Marathon 2024: Reflections on my first Comrades Up run

[@OdealTheGreat]

Well done. Back to back medal 🏅. Only 8 left for that Green Number 🙌🏾💯🏃🏾‍♂️.

[@aslam7952]

😁😁 Just 8!

[@Manvmiles]

😂😂😂 Just 8 little runs...

[@RichieB-zt8tg]

Best race in the world! Was great to meet you 😎

[@Manvmiles]

It's right up there for sure. Fab to meet you too and hope the recovery goes well.

[@sammysenwamadi9493]

Congrats! You came, you conquered and there a T-shirt plus vidoe to show. The Up Run is a monster. I walked for 10kms straight, from 51kms to 62kms. Stomach cramps. Almost quit. Finished in 11:42:40. My target was 10h30 or less.

[@Manvmiles]

It's a beast of race and in my book if you get round it you're a hero regardless of time or goals. It asks so many questions of us all. I wanted to quit on multiple occasions. Congrats on getting it done.

[@bev9708]

BRAVO BRAVO KIERAN!!!! Not so long ago it was just a dream for "one day", and now you've achieved the full Comrades experience, 2 Bill Rowans AND your back-to-back medal!!! You must be sooooo proud!!!! BRAVO , sincerest 💪🏃‍♂CONGRATULATIONS!!!🏅🏅🏅🏃‍♂💪

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Bev. It was a wonderful experience out there. Can't recommend this race highly enough.

[@bev9708]

@@Manvmiles You definitely make me wanna give it a go … one day!!!😁

[@shanh1708]

Well done Kieran! I think more than anything it sums up the South African spirit...friendly, adventurous and full of grit and resilience.

[@Manvmiles]

It really does. There’s a resilience and a joy, a real open arms friendliness. Was wonderful stuff.

[@MikeSmuts]

Well done and thanks for coming back! Only eight to go to your green number ;-). I also did my second this year. I managed to catch bronchitis on the Monday leading up to the race, went on to antibiotics and other meds. Rested as much as I could and still wasn't sure on Saturday whether I'd be able to participate. I started Sunday morning and monitored my HR and symptoms in the first two hours and decided it was safe to continue. My heart and lungs were fine, but my body was clearly vulnerable as I already felt my quads on Fields Hill... (a little early for that). So I ran an extremely conservative race and ended up being one of the people you were watching coming at the end (11:45). Being a runner more in your range of ability being out on the road that long was an eye-opener. It was really tough! I agree that anyone who starts this challenge and especially those who manage to pull through, regardless of time, has achieved something special. If I'm at my normal ability I might run into you on the road next year, because you'll be back... One of the people I ran into on during the race was Blanche Moila, a very special lady who was a pioneer as an early black female participant during Apartheid. Again, there is so much history, personalities, traditions, etc. I so love the singing before the start and during the race. The Comraderie, the support, the challenge... Again, I and other South Africans here love for internationals to come out and join us in this challenge. No.3 for us then next year!

[@Manvmiles]

That’s incredible Mike. Well done for getting o out there and getting it done under those circumstances. That’s hard as nails. I tried to cheer and bang the boards as much as I could for every runner in that last half hour. I knew they’d been I battles and deserved it.

[@liranleibo2211]

Well done Kieran!! Was nice to meet you on the route. This was my first Comrades and I plan to come back next year. Glad you managed to get your Back-2-Back Bill Rowan.. that's awesome.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks and same to you. Was lovely to meet you! Maybe see you on the big hill again next year!

[@CamerondeBuck]

Absolute legend! Well done. So tempted...

[@Manvmiles]

Do it! You won’t regret it.

[@farayimabvuta626]

Well done mate! Ran my first one this year and I share all your sentiments about the race. It was a magical experience.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks. And congrats on your first Comrades. Next stop back to back 💪👍

[@timbrown3035]

Great video Kieran and a privilege to share this Comrades experience with you (plus the shorts were spot on!).

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Tim. Was an absolute pleasure to meet you and share the experience. Congrats again on your race and so glad the shorts did the job. Mine have seen some miles now. But never let me down. Hope to see you on the road somewhere.

[@jonathanwatkins447]

Congratulations on your back to back and 2nd Bill Rowan. Great you came back. This was my 3rd but first UP. The UP 2nd half was so tough as I went out to fast. First 5 or 10K was fine but I definitely didn't walk enough for the first 40ish Ks. I didn't plan on a silver but at 45k I was at silver pace and then I feel apart😂. Some how I still got a 7:59:03. Before Pollys I said I didn't have a chance for a sub 8 but then I realized if I did a 8:01 I would be really pissed 😂😂. Like you said there is nothing like it. The people alone will bring me back again. Thanks for the video and I really enjoy watching how much you love this race. Well done again

[@Manvmiles]

Yo run sub-8 is incredible running on that course. Congrats mate. Are you going for Green?

[@jonathanwatkins447]

@@Manvmiles I'm 53 and I've done 3 in a row. Green is far far away🤣

[@waydeedwards]

I did the same back to back set as you. Vic Clapham & Robert Mitshali. Spot on video!

[@Manvmiles]

Nicely done mate. Back to back takes some earning. Green?

[@jamescrook4389]

This is the first video I have seen you in, in your own right. Whilst I quite like the “run testers” channel, this format really allows you to shine.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks James, I appreciate the kind words.

[@arabangraditapole9402]

Welldone to everyone that ran.You are champs.I got my back to back @11:36

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats on the back to back champ! I would have seen you run in as I was watching the finish.

[@NeilStyles]

So great to meet you Kieran, keep those speedy feet moving!!

[@Manvmiles]

Great to meet you, too. Let's keep on plodding!

[@maryromendez6850]

Nailed it! Share all your feelings. So happy you decided to go back to your back to back, I know first had training in London for comrades adds another level to the challenge! It blows my mind the people that have done, 10, 20, 30 consecutive comrades and love how the bibs say the number you have done

[@Manvmiles]

I’m so happy too. Wasn’t always sure I’d come back but so glad I did.

[@simonchittenden9769]

We loved having you here!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks mate.

[@Ninja-Cake]

Massive Congrats to you Kieran - I also got my back to back with a 10h14 and am so happy, what an amazing day and race, everything you said is 100% how it is and even for us locals from South Africa its such a special day and something that changes your life and teaches you how strong you really are mentally and emotionally more so than physically! See you again once of these years - Cheers mate

[@Manvmiles]

that's amazing. Congrats on the back to back and that's a cracking time. Race definitely teaches you a lot. I think it also shows you what happens when people open up to each other. There's something wonderful about how friendly most people are around this race. No judgements, no status, just support.

[@freddiegee308]

Well done Kieran, sorry didn’t get to see you out there. Just finished my first and what a brutal run it was. Will definitely try and get my B2B next year if I can

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats on your first. And go get that B2B!

[@georgedarden4742]

Enjoyed your reflections. I ran it for the first time on Sunday, and I watched your videos from last year when I was preparing. (Thanks!) I was still pretty wrecked on Tuesday; there was no way I could have run!

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats on your first. And hope the recovery is going well. Will you go for back to back?

[@georgedarden4742]

@@Manvmiles Thanks! I'm not ready to consider next year just yet. 🙂 Sunday really, really hurt me, and the downhills in the back half were particularly painful. So . . . I don't know if I'm ready for a down run. The 100th running in three years will likely be a down run, and that might be a better choice for me even though it means not getting the back-to-back.

[@Manvmiles]

@@georgedarden4742 Fair enough. Taking some time is the smart move.

[@cliffordbrown7125]

Amazing to meet you and well done on an amazing run. Hope to see you back in 2027 for Comrades.

[@Manvmiles]

Really great to meet you. I hope to be back at some point.

[@lenolsthabo684]

It was nice meeting you, Kieran, and sharing the comrades' experience...definitely coming back next year for my fifth medal

[@Manvmiles]

Great to meet you. You'll be half way to Green!

[@TimGrose]

Well done. Good to hear that you had a good one. Impressed can even run 2 days on!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Tim. It was more of a shuffle along the beach front 😂

[@igoryan1111]

Nice video and great race. I did it as well and got a Robert Mtshali medal.

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats on the Robert, that's a great run.

[@user-qc6mo7tr7c]

Walked passed you at the end, but wasn't sure, so didn't say anything! I am one of those you mention at the start of this video. My grandfather signed of his number(161) to me before he passed and I have now completed 3 runs, with the aim to make this number green again to hopefully one day pass on to one of my kids.

[@Manvmiles]

Should’ve come said hello. And amazing that you’re going to turn that number green again. Love this.

[@kobuskunz4478]

Well done Kieran and especially doing your back-to-back! I was cut off on top of Pollys. Currently recovering in hospital with Rhabdomyolisis. Such an epic event though and so much greater than the sum of it's parts.

[@Manvmiles]

All I read there is that you made it all the way and topped Pollys which in my book makes you a legend regardless. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Look after yourself.

[@n.y.8604]

Well done Kieran🎉 It was awesome to see you back and proud of you doing so well once again.Thanks for sharing some highlights 😀 Comrades is definitely not an ordinary race, it's brutal😂but yet so awesome 🎉

[@Manvmiles]

thanks very much. it really is a special place to come and run. Think I'm hooked now.

[@n.y.8604]

@@Manvmiles fantastic 👏😀see you next year lol 😀

[@oabiletsiane8990]

It was great meeting you man…I’m the guy in the black posing at that made up finish line 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@Manvmiles]

Was fab to meet you at the expo. Hope you had a good run.

[@raymondsamms3725]

i'll be doing my 1st Comrades next year.....just awaiting confirmation on date and route...can't wait!!!! and i will be using Marathon Tours

[@Manvmiles]

Fantastic. You're going to love it. The MT team take such good care of you and let you just focus on the race, not the logistics. I might see you there!

[@raymondsamms3725]

@@Manvmiles btw...did you hear any talk of the course next year being down, or that's still to be decided/announced?

[@Manvmiles]

@@raymondsamms3725 I've not heard anything to be honest. Presumed it would be.

[@whenwe9168]

​@raymondsamms3725 it's a down run

[@kieronturner2667]

Absolutely awesome Kieran 👏👏 well done. What an experience 😁👍

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Kieron. It's such a wonderful event.

[@marthankoane8444]

It was my first comrade marathon and done it in 11:54.I want to go again next year.

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats. That's amazing running. Maybe see you on the Down!

[@marthankoane8444]

@@Manvmiles Yes, O hope so.

[@JimboFarns]

Congrats!!! I saw you a few times on the route! You ended 2min behind me! So close!! Well done!!

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats to you too. I took a few moments towards the end to reset otherwise we'd likely have been on that straight together.

[@golrush007]

Great summary of the experience. The best part of the Up vs the Down run for me so far is that the recovery is a heck of a lot easier after the Up run! Safe travels back home Kieran 👍

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks. For me, my legs hurt but just different bits 😂

[@arabangraditapole9402]

Agree 💯

[@leboganggaaje1087]

Hey man I missed you at the race but glad you enjoyed it again and got your back-to-back medal. I ran my back-to-back also and the up run is not a joke I can tell you that for free. Congratulation!!!!

[@Manvmiles]

Ah sorry not to catch you. But huge congrats on the Back to Back. We had to work for it!

[@jfk-q4r]

Congrats Kieran ! Great recap.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Justin. Will have a proper race vid up at some point but wanted to share a few quick thoughts.

[@jfk-q4r]

@@Manvmiles Safe travels home.

[@kelvingstrachan]

Hi Kieran. I was the guy at Phezulu that you asked what hill that was. It was just before half way. I saw your video of 2023 on Saturday. 23 was my last Comrades. I have done 1 up, and 1 down. Well done. 👏🏼

[@Manvmiles]

Oh brilliant, I'm still chuckling about the short convo we had. "What hills is this?" "This isn't a hill!" Made me laugh a lot. Do you think you'll do another?

[@greertops]

Amazing effort Kieran, congratulations

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. Had a cracking experience out there.

[@ozenfant_ozn]

great stuff Kieran! :)

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much.

[@oarabilechingapane786]

Was great meeting you Kieran: Weldone and congratulations on your back2back💪💪

[@Manvmiles]

Great to meet you as well mate.

[@vincewarne228]

Well done Kieran!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Vince

[@show2358]

Well done & congrats🎉 thanks for sharing!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much.

[@mokgadimmolai3685]

Awesome 🙌🏽 thank you the video 🎉

[@Manvmiles]

Hope you enjoyed it.

[@Panos_79]

Thanks for sharing this Kieran, you're such an inspiration. Is that the god Hermes on the medal?

[@Manvmiles]

Glad you enjoyed it. It is Hermes, well spotted.

[@zbigipowi616]

Super Kieran, war schön dich kennenlernen😊

[@Manvmiles]

Likewise!

[@willem-janageling3907]

Congratulations Kieran! Inspiring!!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Willem.

[@skobodabaws8946]

those hills were nice champ , we ate em 😅it was a brutal fun

[@Manvmiles]

They were nice! 😂tasty

[@tono1665]

Looking out for registration to open for 2025. Want to do it sooner rather than later. Got a few ultras under my belt

[@Manvmiles]

Love it. Strike early 💪👍

[@marioadams1516]

Ill be attempting my 1st Comrades next year💪💪💪💪💪

[@Manvmiles]

You're going to love it.

[@marioadams1516]

@@Manvmiles 💪💪💪💪

[@thabangmotaung4759]

This year I got my PB ran a very good race , however during the race I made a decision that I am not coming back to this pain again , now I can’t wait to run it again next year 😂😂😂😂

[@Manvmiles]

Ha ha, congrats on the PB. And love that a No Way turns into Sign Me Up so quickly.

[@pauldbeer]

You welcome mate! Get that Green number....

[@Manvmiles]

ha ha, not sure my bank manager will allow it.

[@pauldbeer]

@@Manvmiles 🤑

[@franky3398]

Brillant. Could not say it better. Each word so true! Expresses all my feelings and experiences. Back for my 10th in 2025❤ Frank 51887

[@Manvmiles]

I have so much respect for anyone who goes for 10 of these. Good luck for next year.

[@Lindtdelaport81]

Congratulations Kieran! Back to back Billies on your first two attempts are an amazing achievement! I am late to your personal channel, but enjoyed your videos leading up to Comrades. On the shoes, I went with the Asics Meta Speed Paris, I prefer them for the Up. Lighter, good climber and great for keeping a consistent cadence/ pace. For the Down I prefer the Alphafly’s, more easy speed for the last 30 odd km’s. I by far prefer the Down Run, but taking a poll after Sunday’s run it seems that about 80/90% of the people I spoke to also prefer the Up. Keep up the great content!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. I'm really happy with my two Billies. Glad the Metaspeed Paris worked for you. They're great shoes. Bit too aggressive for me for this race perhaps but I can see why you'd choose them. You going back next year?

[@Lindtdelaport81]

Definitely! I am on 7 and so my 10th would coincide with the 100th Comrades, but then I am probably done. I was lucky enough to confirm my Silver this year (had a down silver in 2022) and would like to have a go at a sub 7. For me it would have to be on a down and as I am fighting physiology (6.1 and both Silvers at 90 kg’s) there is a definite limit to what I can run. But I can at least try! I hope you return next year, you might be surprised what you can do on your next Down 👊🏼

[@arongoode1372]

Well done Kieran, inspiring stuff! I'm running the New Forest Marathon in September; any advice or recommendations regarding shoe choice? I ran my last (first) marathon in Alphafly 1s but I'm worried the new forest paths will chew up the foam and/or be too uneven?

[@Manvmiles]

thanks mate. I've seen people run the New Forest in Alphas but I personally wouldn't. There's good sections of road, lots of groomed, compacted paths but bits of off-road too, grass etc. If it's wet that also might make it less Alpha friendly. The route can take a road shoe if it's dry though. A perfect shoe for this would be the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra but those are pricey. A HOKA Speedgoat would work, too. The Altra Mont Blanc Carbon are a possible.

[@arongoode1372]

@@Manvmiles Cheers mate, I appreciate the help!

[@nwabisabeba1678]

Got my back to back, I prefer down run. Weird I got a PB on the Up 😂

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats on the back to back and the PB. Sounds like there's a faster time coming on your next Down! 😉

[@TheSiameseDreamer]

When is the race video coming?

[@Manvmiles]

It'll be along in the next week or so!

[@TheSiameseDreamer]

@Manvmiles awesome! So glad you came back.

[@Ninja-Cake]

does anyone know if Ben Parkes ran?

[@jameswebster5672]

He didn't. He got a hamstring injury two weeks before the race in the gym.

[@Ninja-Cake]

@@jameswebster5672 shame he hadn’t had luck with comrades last year and now this year.

[@aslam7952]

Personally, I would say both are equally brutal. I was 20 minutes quicker on the up, but that is most likely because I trained more. What is better on the up is the recovery. Way quicker. It could be because this is my second time, but most green numbers prefer the up for the quicker recovery as well.

[@Manvmiles]

Definitely less damage to the quads. Congrats on running 20 mins quicker as well mate. Greaat running.

[@TheSiameseDreamer]

See you in 2025?

[@Manvmiles]

Maybe 😂😂

[@TheSiameseDreamer]

@Manvmiles I have a suggestion, rather come and take part in the Teo Oceans 56k

[@stuartjgibson]

​@@Manvmiles first Comrades completed in 2024, Group C seeding secured for the back-to-back Comrades in 2025 and already week 4 of the training program behind me. Awaiting your recommendations for which running shoes are proposed so as to be able to test them out and get the Comrades pair in stock. Hope to see you in Pietermaritzburg next year

[@bettinapoulos7891]

🥹👏🏻

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks