Comrades Marathon

In 30 years of freedom, South Africa a land of rich culture, stunning landscapes and vibrant energy, has solidified its position as a top...

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.

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.

South African athletes won both the men's and the women's races in the 90th Comrades Marathon. Caroline Wostmann was the first female South African over the line in nearly two decades, crossing the line just 35 minutes after Rustenburg policeman Gift Kelehe won his first Comrades.

There is more to Durban than its year-round perfect weather, big surf and golden beaches – though these are reason enough to visit. Durbs is a melting pot of Zulu, Indian and colonial culture, offering good food, great music, a long history and an active lifestyle.

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.

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.

Eight days, 800 kilometres and some seriously steep ravines – this is the Absa Cape Epic, one of the most extreme things a person can do with a bicycle. The hors catégorie event is the most televised mountain bike stage race in the world. Each year a new route is chosen, as difficult and as beautiful as the last.

The marketing campaign for the 90th Comrades Marathon, the world's biggest and oldest ultra-marathon, was launched in Johannesburg on Thursday under the slogan "Be Part of It - Bamba Iqhaza", as the event pushes to become "the most inclusive sporting event in South Africa".

The Berg River Marathon is probably the most gruelling way to spend four days in mid-winter. The canoe race sets off from Paarl and ends 240 kilometres away in Velddrif, in the Western Cape. Throw in howling wind, driving rain and lots of portage, and you've got a recipe for extreme sport.