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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20270613T050000
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SUMMARY:Comrades Marathon
DESCRIPTION:The Comrades Marathon is the world’s oldest and largest ultra-marathon\, a legendary race of approximately 86km that alternates annually between the South African cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. \nCourse Highlights\nThe 2026 “Up Run” starts at sea level from the Durban City Hall and ascends toward Pietermaritzburg\, covering an official distance of 85.777 km. Runners must conquer the legendary “Big Five” hills: Cowies Hill\, Field’s Hill\, Botha’s Hill\, Inchanga\, and the punishing Polly Shortts near the finish. The route traverses the spectacular Valley of a Thousand Hills\, offering dramatic vistas of the KwaZulu-Natal landscape. The course consists of rolling asphalt roads lined with over a million enthusiastic spectators. The race concludes with an emotional finish at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg. \nWhy Runners Love It\nKnown as “The Ultimate Human Race\,” the Comrades Marathon is celebrated for its profound spirit of camaraderie and grueling physical challenge. The race features an iconic start where the pre-dawn silence is broken by a recorded cock crow and the stirring melodies of “Chariots of Fire” and “Shosholoza.” With a massive field of over 20\,000 runners\, the atmosphere is electric from start to finish. The strict 12-hour cutoff is legendary\, as the final gun blast and the closing of the finish line gates create a dramatic and often heartbreaking conclusion to the day’s heroics. \nRace Details\n\nLocation: Durban\, South Africa\nDistances: Ultra Marathon (approx. 86km)\nNext Race Date: 2026-06-14\nStart Time: 05:00\n\nRace Weekend Tips\nArrive in Durban by the Thursday before the race to visit the Comrades Expo at the Durban Exhibition Centre for registration and number collection. For the Up Run\, staying near the Durban beachfront is highly recommended for easy access to the start line. Winter mornings in KwaZulu-Natal are chilly (around 10°C)\, so bring “throwaway” clothes for the 05:00 start. Official shuttles are the most reliable way to reach the start at City Hall due to extensive road closures and lack of local parking. \nHistory & Charity\nFounded in 1921 by World War I veteran Vic Clapham\, the Comrades Marathon was established as a living memorial to the South African soldiers who perished in the Great War. From its humble beginnings with just 34 entrants\, it has grown into a global phenomenon. The race is famous for its unique tradition of alternating directions annually between “Up” and “Down” runs. Through its “Race4Charity” platform\, the event raises significant funds for official beneficiaries including the Community Chest\, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation\, and WildTrust. \nRegister at the official race website.
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/comrades-marathon-2/
LOCATION:Comrades Marathon | Start\, Durban City Hall\, 263 Dr Pixley KaSeme St\, Durban Central\, Durban\, KwaZulu-Natal\, 4001\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Road Races
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://whatracetorun.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/comrades_marathon.png
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20270613T080000
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DTSTAMP:20260802T172332Z
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SUMMARY:Helvetia Half Marathon (Awaiting 2027 Race Date)
DESCRIPTION:⚠️ Estimated date — the 2027 date has not yet been announced by the organizer. We’ve kept this event visible on the calendar around its usual weekend so you can plan ahead. Please check the official race website (linked below) before booking travel.\nCourse Highlights\nThe Helvetia Half Marathon earns its ‘Leave the City Behind’ tagline with a spectacular journey through the rural pastoral landscape of Washington County\, Oregon. The course begins and ends at Gordon Faber Recreation Complex (Hillsboro Stadium) and ventures past the hamlet of Helvetia and its beloved historic landmark\, the Helvetia Tavern. Runners tackle sweeping views\, challenging hills\, century-old working farms\, and a church before returning to Hillsboro Ballpark for one of the most celebrated stadium finishes in Pacific Northwest racing. \nRace Details\nNow in its 26th year\, the Helvetia Half is produced by RunwithPaula Events\, a Portland-area race organization known for quality events and exceptional participant experiences. The race starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday\, June 13\, 2026\, with an early walk/jog start available for participants expecting a pace of 15 minutes per mile or slower. The course is open for four hours. Packet pick-up takes place Thursday and Friday at Portland Running Company in Beaverton\, and also race morning at Hillsboro Stadium beginning at 6:45 a.m. \nWhy Runners Love It\nThe Helvetia Half is a summer rite of passage for Oregon runners. The combination of challenging rolling hills\, gorgeous countryside scenery\, and the post-race extravaganza — featuring a stadium finish\, live music\, a famous beer garden\, lunch\, and finisher medals for all participants — makes it one of the most satisfying race experiences in the region. It’s also a popular benchmark for fall marathon training\, drawing serious runners alongside first-timers. \nRace-Weekend Tips\nRegister early; pricing increases significantly as race day approaches. Plan for a hilly course — the Helvetia countryside offers beautiful but honest climbs. Take the early walk start if your pace exceeds 15 minutes per mile. After the race\, stay for the beer garden and lunch — it’s included and absolutely worth it. \nJoin Oregon’s favorite countryside half — register at RunwithPaula Events.
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/helvetia-half-marathon/
LOCATION:Helvetia Half Marathon | Hillsboro Stadium\, Gordon Faber Recreation Complex\, 4450 NE Century Blvd\, Hillsboro\, OR 97124\, Hillsboro\, Oregon\, United States
CATEGORIES:Road Races
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://whatracetorun.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/helvetia-half-marathon.png
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