Sweat, tears and camaraderie as 20,000 runners take on world’s largest ultramarathon

Guardian World • June 21, 2026

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For one day every June, South Africa’s searing racial inequality seems to melt away at Comrades race In the early morning dark, thousands of runners...

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South Africa’s national anthem rang out.

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Then the haunting swell of Shosholoza, first sung by Zimbabwean migrant workers in South Africa’s goldmines.

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Finally, that unmistakable, spine-tingling piano: Chariots of Fire.

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Runners gather before the start of the marathon Continue reading...

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Further developments are expected to emerge in the coming hours.

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