The Comrades Marathon 2023: What It's Like To Run Your First Comrades

After months of training and hard work, the @ComradesMarathon4181 race day finally came. Ahead of more than 15,000 runners: 55 miles (87km) of punishing hills along the roads from Pietermartizburg to Durban in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It's a race that's been on my bucket list for a decade. Did it live up to the tales and myths? Here's how I got on being a novice at the Ultimate Human Race.
CUT TO THE CHASE:
0:00 - Intro
0:32 - Breakfast
2:29 - At the start
5:11 - The race
8:38 - 50km in
9:50 - 5km to go (just a parkrun)
10:22 - The Durban stadium finish
13:06 - Post-Comrades reaction
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[@Manvmiles]

Did you run the Comrades this year? How did it go? Any first timers out there like me? If so what did you make of it?

[@aslam7952]

Great video! Fields Hill (on the motorway, around 70km), did you fly down that hill?

[@gergelysomogyi7572]

Well done for the first Comrades. I did my first one too. I was really disciplined, held back on the climbs and just let the downhills take me. I was struggling after 30k and just got worse later but managed to tune it out. I was drinking and eating regularly as planned so I still had power left to sprint at the end. It was a fantastic experience. I have to do this again... :) I had a blast.

[@mrdsbaker]

My first one this year a day I will never forget truly life changing ! Words can’t describe everyone needs to experience it once in their life

[@JimboFarns]

Well done - I went down for number 6 this year. Completely over-cooked it and blew out - was on track for 7h25.. ended on 8h03.. Good result, very, very tough day!!!

[@DankoDee13477]

Well done on a Billy Rowan ..... awesome run .... I also have a running channel and have documented some of my Ultras on ..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4jWhKl_oL2Zm5I

[@mathapelonyembe4702]

Wow the support is amazing! ❤ South African people are amazing! Well done on finishing your first 🎉

[@Manvmiles]

It's really something there. Can't wait to be back.

[@mzamomkhwanazi9770]

Ran my 9th this year, the pain is still as painful as the first one. Well done and congratulations on your first Comrades. See you in 2024 for your Back to Back🎉

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats on the 9. Incredible achievement. One more to go for Comrades immortality.

[@redg33333]

I finished a few minutes behind you, the heat of the last 25km nearly got me and the last two or three hills into Durban were a real sting in the tail. I'm very proud of my Bill Rowan medal and all the support really made a difference and got me to the finish. I'm sure I'll be back next year for my back to back medal. It is an amazing event and I've experienced nothing like it before.

[@Manvmiles]

I completely agree that heat towards the end had me almost wobbling at one point, too. Had to really manage things for the final 2 hours. But we got there! Congrats to you on the Bill Rowan. I may well be back too next year.

[@daverademan]

Well done Keith, glad to see you enjoyed your stay here in South Africa! Comrades is on my list, one day...

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks make. Can really recommend it

[@LionelBaronArtiste]

Thanks for filming! normally this will be my gift for 2025! year of my retirement! a race which must be fabulous....I have no doubt about it!

[@nkululekomabaso4273]

Also still basking in the Comrades glory ! Did my fourth and just can’t get enough of it. Congratulations on an amazing run; Billy Rowan is one of the most sort after medals for all non-elites so you did a good job. Hope you enjoyed the SA 🇿🇦 experience including the buses and singing. Wasn’t able to catch you to say Hi but I know you will have to return for your back-to-back 😃 Well Done Comrade

[@redg33333]

I loved hearing the singing runners, even at 6 30 on Saturday morning 😀

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats on the 4th. That's an incredible achievement. You going for 10? I'm so chuffed with my Billy Rowan. A medal I'm very proud of. And a race I'm sure I'll do again.

[@everydaylionsevents4851]

Hi Kieran, well done on your result. I have been watching your lead up videos. I competed myself and ran 6:58:48, this was my first event as well. I hope you enjoy your recovery. I look forward to following you in other events. Cheers, Brian from Australia.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Brian. And congrats on the sub-7. That's incredible running. Glad I got your arm in there too!! Will you be back for the Up? What's next for you?

[@everydaylionsevents4851]

@@Manvmiles thanks mate - 100% I'll be back and already planning now lol. Good luck in the 100 miler, I will watch your prep with interest. I have our national 50 km champs here in Australia in December. Happy running.

[@golrush007]

Well done Kieran, a fantastic run and your video captures so much of the magic of Comrades. I believe this race is one of our national treasures in South Africa and it's such an honour to take part in it, and also to share it with visitors from all over the world. I hope you'll be back again in the future!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. This is a complete gem of a race. I've honestly never experienced anything like it.

[@greghouston2521]

I hope to run Comrades in 2024. Doing 50K races now to prepare. This content was great! I haven't seen much 2023 content yet.

[@Manvmiles]

That’s great. You’re in for a treat.

[@MrMojito21]

Literally would have come around the corner had the video ended about 10 seconds later. Thanks for the watch. Absolutely love this race

[@Manvmiles]

Ha that’s a shame. And congrats on the run. Hope the recovery has gone well.

[@Stefanduplooy64]

First time for me next year, I just got encouraged again to do this. Thank you, awesome video!

[@ShawnGreyling]

I'm not crying, you're crying. what a great video.

[@Manvmiles]

Thansk. I'm really looking forward to being back there.

[@mrdsbaker]

Ran my first comrades this year did a 10h22 what an incredible event and race be back in 2024

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats on the first comrades and a cracking time. All the best for the back to back too.

[@ruralbwoy]

@Manvmiles, now you are officially a member of the crazy Comrades family, well done 👊👏

[@Manvmiles]

It’s a great family. Happy to be part of it.

[@SuperNinjadevil]

Congrads. Im doing my first this year.

[@user-de9ln2vp5k]

Congrats! I did my 11th Comrades this year ,after 9 years break from Comrades. 2014 I got my green number. My Comrades was different this year. I did 2 marathons and 1 Ultra (56km) . I only did about 1000km for Comrades. The last 28km ,I were walking a lot, because I knew I will finish in time, before the 12 hour cut off. It was a honor to ran in my green number. I hope you will also reach that milestone. I'm still resting. Only did 2 parkruns .

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats on your 11th and getting to run in that green number. I’m in awe of everyone who has those. Such an incredible achievement.

[@user-de9ln2vp5k]

I went a group/bus and stayed on the route. Close to the wall of fame.

[@jonathanwatkins447]

Well done . Amazing time. Can't believe I didn't find you. I started in A but didn't go fast. I ended up with a 8:56. My injury from 20K on was brutal but as you know now the support carried me along to finish. So awesome you enjoyed it. Great video with you family at stadium. Very cool. And you stayed until the end to see the 12 hour runners. No pressure but back to back medal next year😂

[@Manvmiles]

It's a shame we didn't get to say hello. We must have been minutes apart at the end. Congrats on completing that with an injury mate. I know there's support but still it's a tough race even fully fit. Still wondering if I'll be back for the Up run! Been told I have to!

[@ashmanSA]

Congratulations. Thanks for sharing. See you next year for the up and your back to back medal.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks and I hope so!

[@traceyleivers6348]

Awesome 🎉 I absolutely loved it. Truly changed me . Pushing on when under any other circumstances I would have quit is life changing. Will treasure my little bronze medal forever. Well done everyone . Total respect to everyone who started❤

[@Manvmiles]

You're 100% right. This is a life changing run. And we definitely need to treasure those little medals. Congrats on the run Tracey. Back for the Up?

[@rene57867]

Hi Tracey. Well done on your bronze! Also got a bronze, it was also my first race. You so right, this race has also changed me and I have discovered more about me. Rest up and see you on the road soon!

[@mrdsbaker]

Congrats I also got a bronze amazing day

[@zwidekazizwide2453]

Well done mlungu, one was daar, phakathi inside, PMB route chowed us, some were spitted 😢outside the road, suka emabhozeni!!! I saw many 1000 hills, and though Drummond is taking me back 2 PMB, things we pay to do! Runners are not the smartest or brightest in the box, they are strong though.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. We love to suffer right!

[@NihilimZA]

Well done. As a bonus I saw myself at 8:44 in the video.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks. Same to you and glad we got you in on the vid!

[@runfilmsleep]

Amazing!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks.

[@mrwesson]

Great video! My first comrades and I was 10 minutes behind you - 8h58.

[@Manvmiles]

You going back this year?

[@kholomokolo]

What a beautiful video. I hope to make a better seeding, I was back at H. Thank you see you next year for your back to back

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats on your run too. Time to get that marathon time down!

[@martinmdladla6962]

Congrats on your 1st Comrades finish. Nice of you to put all of this together. Was my 11th finish & experience does help in running Comrades. Was in Batch C and finished in 7:48

[@Manvmiles]

That's an incredible time. Hats off. And to bag your 11th is doubly impressive. Nice work indeed.

[@TheFODRunner]

Massive respect buddy 👍 the vibes at the start looked amazing!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks mate. It was really incredible. Would highly recommend.

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

💯

[@Manvmiles]

👍👍

[@ozenfant_ozn]

overwhelming pictures! gotta be an immense experience!

[@Manvmiles]

It really was!

[@antoniechristie834]

A Bill Rowan on debut! Massive congrats Kieran. I've been keenly following your road to Comrades. Thanks for sharing your journey. I ran my second this year and your video made me relive last Sunday again and feel some part of the emotions you can only feel at that finish; powerful stuff... Really hope we see you here again!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. Congrats on the second. Did you get your back to back? I’m considering it. Was a really magic experience.

[@antoniechristie834]

@@Manvmiles Yeah! That's awesome to hear. Be careful as it is addictive! I was going to do one, but did get my back to back medal this year. Already making plans for next year😁. Hope to see you there too.

[@usernamenondisp]

great video Kieran, goosebumps! well done and thank you for documenting, fantastic atmosphere

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Marco. Can highly recommend this race if you ever get the chance.

[@joewillburn]

Massive congratulations. Thank you for the video and thank you for coming to our country and running the ultimate human race.

[@Manvmiles]

Hey thanks for having me.

[@joewillburn]

​@@Manvmileswill we see you this year?

[@deanemortlock9891]

I liked your experience , but totaly something different to my experience / youtube video this year , but also very inspiring 😁👍🏻

[@Manvmiles]

What happened for you this year?

[@deanemortlock9891]

@@Manvmiles This was my 8th comrades , but every time something different happens out on the road , i had some ups and downs but still managed to finish in 7:13 for a silver medal🥈 not the gold i was hoping for but there's always next year.

[@WakeMeWhenItsOver]

Wasn’t in Comrades but I see my brother ran alongside you. Very proud of all of the participants. This is an incredible athletic and psychological achievement

[@Manvmiles]

It’s a real honour to have been part of it.

[@gerhardkruger8088]

Well done that is a serious time for a first Comrades! So glad you enjoyed it, it’s such a special race. I did my 6th and will be back next year.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. And huge congrats on the 6th. That's some achievement. You going for 10?

[@gerhardkruger8088]

@@Manvmiles for sure going for green!

[@rene57867]

Well done on your Bill Rowan. It was also my first Comrades and enjoyed every moment. We must go back next year to get our back to back :-) This race has helped me discover a bit more about me. It’s a crazy distance. I have so much respect for each individual who attempts and finishes this race. Rest up!

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats to you too on your first. These things teach us a lot about ourselves. The good and the bad. Shows you what you’re capable of when you dig deep.

[@brianogrady9883]

Bravo! 👏👏👏. Well done Kieran. The atmosphere looks electric

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Brian. It was incredible.

[@manueltan8962]

Great video ! congrats, well done !

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much.

[@n.y.8604]

Oh wow Kieran, fantastic video and thanks for sharing your magical experience! Watching it inspires me even more to do the Comrades Marathon🎉🎉🎉🎉 Great Job 🎉

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. It gave me goosebumps all over again editing this one together.

[@thapelomoloisane3503]

Absolutely stunning time on a first comrades and u captured the race so beautifully. Look forward to seeing you next year, after all it's opposite direction and you will be presented with 2 medals ( back to back medal and your usual finishing medal) instead of 1. Well done once more

[@Manvmiles]

I'm coming back.

[@deonsmit8887]

Very well done Congratulations!!!

[@Manvmiles]

Thank you very much!

[@hollandhawkeye7158]

Well done! This is an epic video of an epic race! Thanks for documenting and sharing! I’m in the front of C Batch and got in your video, so thanks again! I ran as a novice as well. Looking forward to trying for a back to back medal next year!

[@Manvmiles]

thanks very much. that's great I got you at the start. Hope you had a good run out there. I'm thinking about going back. Just need to check the coffers😂

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Huge Congratulations, well done 👍🏽

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. Really loved this race.

[@Heinrichdouglas1]

Glad you enjoyed the experience, come back for the up run, a totally different challenge

[@Manvmiles]

I’m very tempted!

[@petergibbs6993]

I am still trying to conquer or achieve in the Marathon but the video - man - Kieran - wow, amazing 🤩

[@Manvmiles]

If you can get there it’s worth the work for sure. I’ve never run a race like it.

[@kieronturner2667]

Well done Kieran 👏👏💪 that looked absolutely amazing 😍 what a race

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Kieron. This was very, very special indeed.

[@user-yr5fz8ug8e]

Great run Kieran. Thanks for sharing the experience.

[@Manvmiles]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Xflosiv]

Oh man I am sooo happy for you! CONGRATULATIONS!!! Many people only dream of a Bill Rowan on this race and clearly the hard work you put in paid off. Thanks so much for this video, I am happy to see you had a great experience and enjoyed SA🇿🇦. My uncle Joe drives the sub9 bus every year, he was just behind you so if you were struggling he would've pulled you to the finish too😊 I managed to complete the race this time, after last year's failed attempt, in 11.53 for my first finish. A FULL day of running so I got my money's worth😂 😂 Well done again and I'm in awe of your level of fitness and grit! All the best for the rest of 2023💪

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much and huge congratulations to you for your finish, too. What a feeling it is to cross that line. I'm kind of glad I didn't get to meet your Uncle Joe 😂 but I'm sure if I'd dropped back he would've dragged me to a Bill Rowan. Must be very special to be a bus driver in that race.

[@sportandhumans1782]

I like your vlogs. Well done 🎉🎉🎉

[@Manvmiles]

Thank you!! 😊

[@bev9708]

Huge 🎉🎊🏅CONGRATULATIONS Kieran🏅🎊🎉 AND such an incredible time you did too, Kieran... bloody BRAVO!!!!!! 🍾🥂 Another amazing adventure under the belt!!!! What an absolutely fabulous atmosphere!! That just makes me wanna keep pushing and keep training to do that one myself one day!!! Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with us, it's so inspiring!!! 💪🏻🏃‍♂🏃🏿‍♂🏃🏻‍♀💪🏿

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Bev. It was honestly one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had. Not just the run but the build up and afterwards too. A total gem and I'd definitely recommend it. You can do it! How's your training going btw?

[@bev9708]

@@Manvmiles I did my first 50k ultra the day after you did your Comrades Kieran ... first EVER problems with cramps in my life, what a shock!!! But struggled through!!! AND am more motivated than ever to keep doing more, get some more 50k or 50milers under my belt and hope hope hope to reach a 100km one day!!!

[@MarianChicu]

Congrats on the race, Kieran! well done! hope your legs have recovered by now

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much Marian. Legs are just about recovered. Considering a few easy London miles this afternoon.

[@gladfan1989]

Can't run anymore, due to a bad Achilles tendon. I have mad respect to anyone that merely ATTEMPTS this incredible, yet grueling, race. Congratulations on finishing your first and good luck next year as you go for the back to back.

[@Manvmiles]

Can’t run ever any more?

[@gladfan1989]

@@Manvmiles I'm afraid not.

[@joewillburn]

​@@gladfan1989😢

[@joewillburn]

Comrades is a right of passage for us.

[@Manvmiles]

it should be for all runners!

[@johnathandick5632]

Well done Manvmiles , hope enjoyed the route of the best ultra road race , hope the Comrades buzz has got you and hope you come back next year and experience the up run , and what a pleasure watching this video you posted and it must have been entering kingsmead and seeing your family, rest well as the downrun takes a lot out of legs , I too finished in 9h41 after 3 major carb crashes but as always I always put up a fight to finish. Keep Smashing out your videos

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Jonathan. I really enjoyed the experience and am still buzzing from it,. Congrats on your finish. I had a few energy wobbles towards the end but managed to hold it together. Definitely thinking about the Up run now. Will you be back?

[@johnathandick5632]

Yes I will run , hope to check you next time in Comrades marathon 2024

[@peterterstege9926]

Congratulations. Great video. Was thinking about running 2 Oceans Marathon but this is next level. The seed has been planted😎

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Peter. I've been thinking about 2 Oceans too.

[@davidfigg]

wow what a magical experience, well done kieran !!! fantastic effort, i will be there myself someday, congrats again mate

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Charles. You're in for a treat when you go. Really can't recommend it highly enough. I've run a lot of races and this one is right up there with the very best.

[@davidfigg]

@@Manvmiles I’ve ran London/new York marathons and rated them both highly but this could be the race of all races . I can’t wait to get there 👍

[@hannesreinecke6415]

Well done Kieran, I ran it 11 times, but only finished 8 of them, I am 60 next year and want to finish number 9....proudly South African

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. I can see a green number in your not too distant future!

[@sidmanky]

Absolutely brilliant, well done Gaffer 👏👏👏 Thanks for sharing your incredible experience. Great that Nadia and Riley were able to join you 😉

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Gaffer. Brilliant memories made.

[@idowuomotayoridwan5578]

Congratulations man. I hope to run the next one.

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks, I can't recommend it enough.

[@mthuthuzelimsobantu5546]

Well done Keiran, i did it in 11:44 and loved every minute of it even the tough bit to halfway point. I always find sleeping in Pietermaritzburg affords me more sleep and relaxing time pre-race!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks. And congrats on your run. I stayed to see all the runners home and it was amazing to watch. Staying in Pietermaritzburg sounds smart. Though I enjoyed being 5 mins from the finish too!

[@MrBugz27]

Wow wow well done on sub 9hrs. I did my first with 09h45min. I mean i was still an hr away when you finished. ..it's just hard to explain it,you havw to do it to experience it. After all that pain all i know is I will be back next year for back to back. What an achievement!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks George. You too. I’m thinking I might have to return too!

[@Arki2019]

Epic

[@Manvmiles]

It was ace.

[@greatleapforwards]

Congratulations - you have to return and do the UP now. I have 3 bill rowans to my name and last did one in 2017. I try and explain this race to people on this side of the equator and you just cant explain what it is about, and it is very difficult to capture the emotions on video, but you did a very good job of it!

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. Full respect for being the proud owner of three Bills. That's no easy feat. I'm glad I got to make this video. Gave me goosebumps editing it. What a race this is. Hopefully it'll inspire others to come and run it.

[@otakuza5012]

Well done Comrade! Amazing run. I hope you come back for your back-to-back medal next year 😊💪💪

[@Manvmiles]

I hope so too!

[@chelsmaloney4998]

A very special day indeed, your video truly captures it! Hopefully you have your legs back now 😂 8.48 💥

[@Manvmiles]

It really was a special day. And all the best runners finish in 8.48 right? 😂

[@everydaylionsevents4851]

Hahaha I just spoted my arm at the start lol

[@Manvmiles]

😂😂

[@samspade2399]

well done, great video as per, looks awesome energy/atmosphere but incredibly tough too as you say. What could be your next challenge, if you're a glutton for punishment? 😃

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks Sam. Not sure what’s next. Might go back to my solo track 24 hour plan.

[@PZJBimha]

Congratulations 🎉. Thanks for this beautiful sharing. I'm hoping to try this amazing race in 2024. Also just curious , did you record the whole journey using a phone?

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it. I might see you in 2024! I shot it on a combination of my phone and an Insta360 One RS (a kind of GoPro-style cam).

[@DKedwards]

Well done 👏🏻 saw you in the B group 😊I see you eventually went with the Saucony slimes how did they fair? I chose the Rockets X2 no issues. It was my novice run 🏃🏼‍♂️ came in at 8:26 Bill Rowan 💪 what an incredible adventure 😅 back to back ?

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks very much. And congrats on your run. That's an amazing time for a first run. The Saucony Elite ran really well but now having run the race I can see there are a lot of shoes that'd do the job nicely and the Rocket X2 included. I'm really tempted for the back to back.

[@DKedwards]

@@Manvmiles Yes just saw your other video on the Saucony elites and it’s really so true on what you said about variety of shoe and not needing to be top range or even carbon. Just as long it’s comfortable and breathable gets the job done. I mean back to back is a must for us novices ☺️ more pain double the prize 🏅 🏅 and it’s possibly an up run 🏃🏼‍♂️ which makes it official back to back 😅

[@MrEsPlace]

Wow! Champion. All because a guy decided to go for a run one day. Isn't it amazing, the people we meet, the places we go and experiences we have because we went for a run? I've joined a gym and train at night, it's too busy during the day, you'll never get a machine, and jogging there and back in the dark makes it feel like a dream the next day. You think; "what happened last night? Did I dream a gym session? Nope. I'm sore. That happened. Weird foggy memories."

[@Manvmiles]

It's mad what can be created from one person deciding to put something positive out there. Incredible really. Speaking of which, nice work joining the gym and getting in there getting on with it. Keep it up. Consistency is the key.

[@Nyelands]

Nicely put together. But did you run with 3 watches?

[@Manvmiles]

Thanks. I did. I test watches for my day job so I was testing these . But they were covered at all times and I ran entirely on feel.

[@avineshnaidoo]

What camera did you use to film your video?

[@kaos419]

What can you start first but finish last or start last and finish first? Sounds like a road race but that's way too simple...

[@butterygold]

Just curious to know why you have so many watches on. Well done, 8:48!

[@Manvmiles]

I was testing them for a video. Comparing Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Enduro with Apple Watch Ultra.

[@marcstylish-st1lw]

Can I just walk to finish? I guess it should be allowed.

[@CharlasdeFondo]

Correr nos une.

[@whenwe9168]

Well done. I ran my back 2 back and did 10h49

[@Manvmiles]

Congrats. Debating going back for the back to back .