Everyone talks about the runners at Comrades. The training. The hills. The cramps. The medals.
But nobody talks enough about the real endurance athletes: the supporters.
Because if you’ve ever supported someone running Comrades, you’ll know it’s basically:
- a logistics mission,
- a weather survival exercise,
- an emotional rollercoaster,
- and a full-day cardio event disguised as spectating.
Here’s your light-hearted guide to surviving Comrades from the supporter’s perspective.
The Alarm Clock Hits Different
Comrades mornings are not mornings. They are crimes against sleep.
While most of South Africa is still deeply unconscious, supporters are:
- packing cooler bags,
- searching for coffee,
- looking for sunscreen at 3:45 AM,
- and asking important questions like: “Why did we agree to this?”
The answer, of course, is love. Or poor decision-making. Possibly both.
Comfortable Shoes Are Not Optional
You may think: “I’m not running. I’ll be fine.” Incorrect.
Supporters walk:
- between viewing spots,
- to bathrooms,
- to parking areas,
- to coffee shops,
- and somehow always uphill.
Comrades has a magical ability to make supporters accidentally complete their own endurance event.
Wear comfortable shoes. This is not the day for “cute but painful.”
The App Becomes Your Entire Personality
The official race tracker app quickly turns into:
- your GPS,
- your emotional support system,
- and your screen-time report nightmare.
You will refresh it constantly.
You will:
- panic when the dot stops moving,
- celebrate when it updates,
- and aggressively explain split times to confused family members.
“NO, YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND. THEY’RE THROUGH COWIES.”
Waiting Is Basically the Sport
Supporting Comrades involves large amounts of waiting.
Waiting for:
- buses,
- runners,
- updates,
- traffic,
- coffee,
- and your legs to stop cramping from standing around all day.
And somehow, despite checking the tracker every 12 seconds, runners still appear unexpectedly.
One minute: nothing. Next minute: emotional chaos and blurry phone photos.
Pack Like You’re Going Camping
A good supporter bag should contain:
- water,
- snacks,
- sunscreen,
- a hat,
- tissues,
- phone chargers,
- wet wipes,
- extra layers,
- and at least one thing you packed “just in case.”
Because Comrades weather believes in personal growth. You may experience: Winter, summer, wind, rain, and sunburn … all before lunch!
Supporters Need Fuel Too
There is a direct relationship between supporter happiness and snack availability.
Hungry supporters become:
- grumpy supporters,
- confused supporters,
- and supporters who accidentally miss their runner because they went to buy chips.
Hydrate. Eat. Caffeine responsibly.
This is a marathon, not a sprint. (Technically it is both.)
Your Job Is More Important Than You Think
To the runner, seeing familiar faces on the route matters more than you realise.
A quick cheer, a smile, or hearing their name shouted from the crowd can completely change someone’s day, especially in the later stages when the legs and brain are negotiating terms.
Sometimes the supporters carry just as much emotional energy as the runners do.
The Finish Line Emotions Are Real
No matter how prepared you are, the finish line gets everyone.
The tears. The limping. The relief. The “I’m never doing this again” speeches made immediately before entering next year’s race.
Supporting someone through Comrades is exhausting, exciting, stressful, inspiring, and weirdly addictive.
Final Thoughts
Comrades is not just a race. It is a full community experience.
And while runners earn the medals, supporters earn:
- sore feet,
- emotional damage,
- a sunburn,
- 47 blurry photos,
- and a very deep appreciation for coffee.
To every supporter standing at the side of the road at sunrise, holding a handmade sign and tracking dots on an app like it’s air traffic control:
We see you. You’re doing comrades too.
Comments
Comments settings
Be the first to comment.Start the conversation
