Bruce Fordyce

Bruce Fordyce: Comrades King

Mention the Comrades Marathon, the world-famous 90-kilometre run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, and one name still springs to mind: Bruce Fordyce, the "Comrades King", and one of the all-time greats of ultra-marathon running.

South Africa’s Comrades Marathon

The latest edition of the world's greatest ultra-marathon takes place on Sunday. Catch up on the history - along with some fascinating facts and anecdotes - of a race that's internationally recognised for the body-sapping challenge it poses and the camaraderie it fosters among its thousands of participants.

Marathon Man: 27 days, 27 marathons across South Africa *UPDATE

Popular British comedian Eddie Izzard is in the midst of running 27 marathons in 27 days around South Africa for charity, to end at the Union Buildings. The number 27 was chosen to commemorate the number of years Nelson Mandela spent in prison.

Comrades legends speak about their memorable races

Apartheid pervaded every facet of life in South Africa, and sport was no different. Black sportsmen and women were unable to compete on an equal footing, and the sports boycott made the country a pariah state. But marathons offered an open road to all.

South Africa remembers Nelson Mandela

Commemorative events of the first anniversary since the passing of Nelson Mandela will feature a music concert, cycling and marathon competitions, a cricket match between the Proteas and the Boks and of course the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge between Bafana Bafana and Ivory Coast.

South Africa remembers Nelson Mandela

Commemorative events of the first anniversary since the passing of Nelson Mandela will feature a music concert, cycling and marathon competitions, a cricket match between the Proteas and the Boks and of course the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge between Bafana Bafana and Ivory Coast.

South Africa is world’s endurance race capital

Some of the world's most extreme races are held in South Africa, where elite athletes – and ordinary people – pit themselves against the unforgiving elements and huge distances. Perhaps the most well-known is the Comrades Marathon, a gruelling 90km run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

South African 1-2 in Comrades 2012

South Africa's Ludwick Mamabolo was a first-time winner of the men's title in the 89-kilometre Comrades ultra-marathon on Sunday - with Bongmusa Mthembu making it a South African one-two - while Russia's Elena Nurgalieva notched up a record seventh women's win.

Running is in her blood

Zola Budd-Pieterse is no longer the naïve young darling of South African athletics, but the 46-year-old still has what it takes. She finished her first Two Oceans in April and successfully took on the Comrades Marathon on 3 June, with the help of Comrades legend Bruce Fordyce.
Running into the history books

Living on in the Comrades spirit

South African Olympian and long distance runner Wally Hayward was one of the great characters of the sport, and during his 60-year career on the road and track his name became synonymous with the gruelling Comrades Marathon.
Olympic countdown begins