Records and statistics of the Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon's fastest recorded times are 5:13:58 for men (Tete Dijana, 2023 down run) and 5:44:54 for women (Gerda Steyn, 2023 down run). Steyn also holds the up-run record, becoming the first woman to break 6 hours with her 5:49:46 in 2024. The most gold medals earned in the women's race is 13 by Elena Nurgalieva, while Allan Robb leads the men's race with 12.

The race also highlights endurance over decades. Louis Massyn has completed 50 Comrades Marathons — the most in history. In 2023 Johannes Maros Mosehla became the oldest known finisher aged 81, a record he extended in 2024 and 2025.[1] He beat the record held by Wally Hayward, who completed the race at age 80 in 1989, 58 years after his first win.

10 Fastest times (up & down runs)

10 Fastest Up Run Times – Men
Rank Year Athlete Nation Time Position
1 2008 Leonid Shvetsov Russia 5:24:39 1st
2 2024 Piet Wiersma Netherlands 5:25:00 1st
3 2000 Vladimir Kotov Belarus 5:25:33 1st
4 2024 Dan Moselakwe South Africa 5:25:45 2nd
5 1998 Dmitri Grishin Russia 5:26:25 1st
6 2000 Alexi Volgin Russia 5:27:08 2nd
7 1988 Bruce Fordyce South Africa 5:27:42 1st
8 2024 Degefa Yohannese Lafebo Ethiopia 5:27:48 3rd
9 1996 Dmitri Grishin Russia 5:29:33 1st
10 1983 Bruce Fordyce South Africa 5:30:12 1st
10 Fastest Up Run Times – Women
Rank Year Athlete Nation Time Position
1 2024 Gerda Steyn South Africa 5:49:46 1st
2 2019 Gerda Steyn South Africa 5:58:53 1st
3 2024 Alexandra Morozova Russia 6:05:12 2nd
4 2024 Courtney Olsen USA 6:08:09 3rd
5 2006 Elena Nurgalieva Russia 6:09:24 1st
6 2004 Elena Nurgalieva Russia 6:11:15 1st
7 2015 Caroline Wöstmann South Africa 6:12:22 1st
8 2006 Marina Zhalybina Russia 6:12:58 2nd
9 1996 Ann Trason USA 6:13:23 1st
10 2004 Marina Zhalybina Russia 6:14:13 2nd
10 Fastest Down Run Times – Men
Rank Year Athlete Nation Time Position
1 2023 Tete Dijana South Africa 5:13:58 1st
2 2023 Piet Wiersma Netherlands 5:14:01 2nd
3 2023 Edward Mothibi South Africa 5:17:34 3rd
4 2016 David Gatebe South Africa 5:18:19 1st
5 2007 Leonid Shvetsov Russia 5:20:41 1st
6 2009 Stephen Muzhingi Zimbabwe 5:23:27 1st
7 2016 Ludwick Mamabolo South Africa 5:24:05 2nd
8 1986 Bruce Fordyce South Africa 5:24:07 1st
9 2025 Tete Dijana South Africa 5:25:28 1st
10 2025 Pete Wiersma Netherlands 5:25:33 2nd
10 Fastest Down Run Times – Women
Rank Year Athlete Nation Time Position
1 2023 Gerda Steyn South Africa 5:44:54 1st
2 2025 Gerda Steyn South Africa 5:51:19 1st
3 1989 Frith van der Merwe South Africa 5:54:43 1st
4 2025 Alexandra Morozova Russia 5:55:56 2nd
5 2023 Adele Broodryk South Africa 5:56:26 2nd
6 1997 Ann Trason USA 5:58:25 1st
7 2005 Tatyana Zhirkova Russia 5:58:51 1st
8 2023 Carla Molinaro South Africa 6:00:23 3rd
9 1997 Maria Bak Germany 6:00:28 2nd
10 2023 Dominika Stelmach Poland 6:06:02 4th

Multiple winners

'+' denotes winner of both an up and a down run

Men's champion Wins Club Women's champion Wins Club
Bruce Fordyce + 9 Wits AC, Rand AC Elena Nurgalieva+ 8
/ Arthur Newton + 5 Gerda Steyn + 4 Nedbank RC, Phantane AC, Hollywood Bets AC
Hardy Ballington + 5 Maureen Holland + 4
Wally Hayward + 5 Germiston Callies Harriers Lettie van Zyl + 3 Germiston Callies Harriers
Jackie Mekler + 5 Germiston Callies Harriers / Helen Lucre + 3 Hillcrest Villagers AC
Alan Robb + 4 Germiston Callies Harriers Frith van der Merwe + 3 Benoni Northerns AC
Dave Bagshaw + 3 Savages AC Maria Bak + 3 Germany
Stephen Muzhingi + 3 Aleksandra Morozova 2
/ Vladimir Kotov 3 Isavel Roche-Kelly + 2 UCT AC
Bongmusa Mthembu + 3 Elizabeth Cavanagh 2 Estcourt AC
Tete Dijana 3 Nedbank RC Olesya Nurgalieva 2
Johnny Coleman 2 Ann Trason + 2 USA
Bill Cochrane + 2 Lindsay Weight + 2 UCT AC
Gerald Walsh + 2 Durban AC
Trevor Allen + 2 Durban AC
Derek Preiss 2 Westville AC
Dmitri Grishin 2
Leonid Shvetsov + 2

Most gold medals

Gold medals were first awarded in 1931, and to the first 6 male finishers. In 1972, this was extended to the first 10 male finishers, as it is today. In 1983 a gold medal was awarded to the female winner for the first time. In 1988, this was extended to the first 3 female finishers, then to the first 5 female finishers from 1995, and from 1998 onward to the first 10 female finishers, on par with the male race.

The following runners won 7 or more gold medals, gold medal span in brackets, clubs noted for local runners, race winners in bold:

Runners with 7 or More Comrades Gold Medals – Men
Athlete Nation Club (if local) Gold Medals Medal Span
Alan Robb South Africa Germiston Callies Harriers 12 1974–1991
Bruce Fordyce South Africa Wits University / Rand AC 11 1979–1990
Bongmusa Mthembu South Africa MAXED Elite KZN / Nedbank RC / Arthur Ford AC 11 2009–2025[2]
Trevor Allen South Africa Durban AC 10 1950–1961
Jackie Mekler South Africa Germiston Callies Harriers 10 1952–1969[3]
Shaun Meiklejohn South Africa Carlton Harriers / Collegians Harriers / MAXED Elite KZN 10 1989–1999
Andrew Kelehe South Africa Rentmeester Fattis and Monis / Liberty Nike AC 10 1997–2006
Fusi Nhlapo South Africa Liberty Nike AC / MAXED Elite CGA 10 2000–2012
Hoseah Tjale South Africa – 9 1980–1990
Nick Bester South Africa – 9 1988–1997
Stephen Muzhingi Zimbabwe – 9 2007–2015
Allen Boyce South Africa – 8 1936–1956
Gordon Baker South Africa – 8 1967–1974
Hardy Ballington South Africa – 7 1932–1947[4]
Gerald Walsh South Africa – 7 1952–1960
Charl Mattheus South Africa – 7 1988–1998
Oleg Kharitonov Russia – 7 2002–2008
Vladimir Kotov / Belarus – 7 2000–2008
Mncedisi Mkhize South Africa – 7 2006–2016
Claude Moshiywa South Africa – 7 2005–2016
Ludwick Mamabolo South Africa – 7 2010–2017
Gift Kelehe South Africa – 7 2011–2023
Runners with 7 or More Comrades Gold Medals – Women
Athlete Nation Club (if local) Gold Medals Medal Span
Elena Nurgalieva Russia – 13 2003–2015
Marina Zhalybina Russia – 12 1999–2013
Maria Bak Germany – 11 1995–2008
Farwa Mentoor South Africa 10 2002–2011
Olesya Nurgalieva Russia – 10 2003–2015
Valentina Shatyayeva Russia – 9 1994–2002
Yolande Maclean South Africa 9 2003–2022
Grace De Oliveira South Africa 7 1999–2007
Alexandra Morozova Russia 7 2017–2025[5]

Most top 10 finishes by women

The following women have finished in the top 10 of the women's race on 7 or more occasions in the race history. Given the top 10 women only received gold medals from 1998, the gold medals list doesn't fully reflect the history of the women's race as female contenders in the 1980s and early 90s were competing for fewer gold medals relative to the men.

Women with the Most Top 10 Finishes at the Comrades Marathon
Top 10 Finishes Athlete Nation Club (if listed) Years Active
13 Elena Nurgalieva Russia – 2003–2015
12 Marina Zhalybina Russia – 1999–2013
11 Maria Bak Germany – 1995–2008
10 Farwa Mentoor South Africa Harmony AC / Bonitas AC 2002–2011
10 Olesya Nurgalieva Russia – 2003–2015
9 Tilda Tearle South Africa Savages AC 1986–1995
9 Valentina Shatyayeva Russia – 1994–2002
9 Yolande Maclean South Africa MAXED Elite CGA 2003–2022
8 Priscilla Carlisle South Africa Rand AC 1981–1989
8 Ralie Smit South Africa Pretoria Marathon Club 1980–1989
8 Hazel Hairs South Africa Jeppe Quondam AC 1983–1990
7 Sanet Beukes South Africa Westville AC 1992–1998
7 Grace De Oliveira South Africa MAXED Elite KZN 1999–2007

International (non-African) gold medallists

As the race is the pinnacle of the South African distance running calendar, with local elite athletes targeting the event year-after-year, there are fewer international gold medalists. World class international athletes may target the Comrades from time to time but not on a consistent basis like South African athletes. Achieving even a single gold medal for an international athlete is a significant achievement overcoming local athletes in their premier event. The following non-African international runners have won 2 or more gold medals (winners in bold):

International (Non-African) Runners with 2+ Gold Medals – Men
Athlete Nation Gold Medals Medal Span
Oleg Kharitonov Russia 7 2002–2008
Vladimir Kotov* Belarus 7 2000–2008
Alexi Volgin Russia 6 1995–2001
Jaroslaw Janicki Poland 5 1997–2008
Grigory Murzin Russia 5 1999–2008
Leonid Schvetsov Russia 5 2001–2012
Dmitri Grishin Russia 4 1996–2001
Dave Levick New Zealand 3 1971–1975
Jorge Aubeso Spain 3 2002–2004
Jonas Buud Sweden 3 2011–2014
Piet Wiersma Netherlands 3 2023–2025
Mick Orton United Kingdom 2 1972–1973
John McBrearty New Zealand 2 1973–1975
Charly Doll Germany 2 1993–1994
Peter Camenzind Switzerland 2 1994–1997
Konstantin Santalov Russia 2 1997–1999
Mikhail Kokorev Russia 2 1996–2000
Anatoliy Korepanov Russia 2 1999–2000
Don Wallace Australia 2 2000–2002
Steve Way / England 2 2017–2018
Alex Milne United Kingdom 2 2024–2025
  • - Kotov subsequently naturalised as a South African citizen
International (Non-African) Runners with 2+ Gold Medals – Women
Athlete Nation Gold Medals Medal Span
Elena Nurgalieva Russia 13 2003–2015
Marina Zhalybina Russia 12 1999–2013
Maria Bak Germany 11 1995–2008
Olesya Nurgalieva Russia 10 2003–2015
Valentina Shatyayeva Russia 9 1994–2002
Alexandra Morozova Russia 7 2017–2025
Tatiana Zhirkova Russia 6 2003–2009
Marina Myshlyanova Russia 6 2005–2010
Elvira Kolpakova Russia 5 2000–2005
Dominika Stelmach Poland 5 2019–2025
Valentina Liakhova Russia 4 1994–1998
Ellie Greenwood / Canada 4 2011–2015
Caitriona Jennings Ireland 4 2019–2025
Joasia Zakrzewski / Scotland 3 2012–2015
Devon Yanko USA 3 2012–2018
Sarah Bard USA 3 2016–2018
Ann Trason USA 2 1996–1997
Birgit Lennartz Germany 2 1999–2000
Maria Venancio Brazil 2 1999–2001
Alena Vinitskaya Russia 2 2003–2007
Kami Semick USA 2 2010–2011
Lizzy Hawker / Switzerland 2 2010–2011
Natalia Volgina Russia 2 2002–2012
Simona Staicu Hungary 2 2003–2015
Camille Herron USA 2 2017–2022
Courtney Olsen USA 2 2024–2025

Most Wally Hayward medals

The following have won 3 or more Wally Hayward medals (for running sub-6 hours, but outside the top 10) since the medal was first awarded in 2007.

Athletes with 3 or More Wally Hayward Medals (since 2007)
Athlete Nation Wally Hayward Medals Medal Span
Mike Fokoroni Zimbabwe 5 2012–2023
Prodigal Khumalo South Africa 4 2010–2023
Peter Muthubi South Africa 3 2009–2016
Harmans Mokgadi South Africa 3 2012–2016
Thabo Nkuna South Africa 3 2014–2017
Charles Dibate Tjiane South Africa 3 2012–2018
Teboho Sello Lesotho 3 2012–2022
Renier Grobler South Africa 3 2016–2024

Oldest finisher

  • Marosi Johannes Mosehla – 2025, 83 years in a time of 11:47.27,[6] 2024, 82 years in a time of 10:13.46[7] and 2023, 81 years in 9:26:09.[8][9]
  • Wally Hayward – 1989, 80 years. In 1954, winning Comrades for the fifth time, Hayward also was the oldest runner on the day, at the age of 45.[10]

Permanent green numbers

When a runner completes their 10th Comrades (or achieves either 5 gold medals or 3 wins) they attain their green number and keep their race number for life, the race number effectively being 'retired' only for use by that athlete. The first time a number is awarded it will be flanked by single laurels. After 20 years a double green number with double laurels is earned, followed by another laurel every next 10 years. A 3-time winner or 5 gold qualifier will not get a second green until they reach 20. The race number may subsequently only be inherited by family members.

The following are holders (either earned or inherited) of race numbers 1 to 10:

Top Comrades Marathon Multi-Medal Recipients
Rank Name Medals (Total) Years Active Breakdown
((((1)))) Clive Crawley 42 1957–2000 1 , 22 , 19
(2) Wally Hayward 7 (5 wins) 1930–1989 4 , 1 , 2
(2) Steven Bure 3 2015–2018 1 , 3 Bill Rowan
(3) Allen Bodill 10 1947–1968 10
(3) Myles Bodill 2 1989–1994 2
((4)) Nick Raubenheimer 22 1953–1975 6 , 13 , 3
((4)) Graham Raubenheimer 11 1980–1995 4 , 6
((4)) Blake Raubenheimer 10 2005–2017 9 , 1 Bill Rowan
(((5))) Allan Ferguson 36 1948–1995 3 , 12 , 21
(6) John Woods 11 1952–1979 1 , 8 , 2
(7) Malcolm Hean 14 1962–1976 9 , 5
8 Unknown (various) – 1922–1995 Medal number '8' was used by multiple runners, including 'Boyle' (1922) and 'Natasha Williams' (1995)
(9) Jackie Mekler 12 (5 wins) 1952–1985 10 , 1 , 1
(10) Fred Morrison 11 1938–1966 2 , 9

Most medals – Green number records

Male quintuple green numbers

Medal holder Medals Number Medal years Medal categories Clubs
Louis Massyn 50 (((((403))))) 1973–2025 10 , 30 , 10 Vic Clapham Goudveld Multisport, Outeniqua Harriers

Male quadruple green numbers

Medal holder Medals Number Medal years Medal categories Clubs
Barry Holland 49 ((((916)))) 1973–2023 22 , 20 , 6 Bill Rowan, 1 Vic Clapham Savages AC, Jeppe Quondam AC, Dolphin Coast Striders
Wietsche van der Westhuizen 46 ((((4192)))) 1978-2025[11] 6 , 25 , 8 Bill Rowan, 6 Vic Clapham Asics Running Club, Bellville AC, Krugersdorp Road Runners, Macarthur Marathon Club
Dave Rogers 45[12] ((((183)))) 1961–2013 3 , 26 , 13 , 3 Vic Clapham Durban AC, Westville AC
Vic Boston 44 ((((3111)))) 1977–2022 17 , 14 , 11 Bill Rowan, 1 Vic Clapham, 1 u Rocky Road Runners
Alan Robb 43 ((((1704)))) 1974–2022 12 , 16 , 6 , 9 Bill Rowan Germiston Callies Harriers, Rocky Road Runners
Mike Cowling 43[13] ((((7296)))) 1975-2023 14 , 16 , 12 Bill Rowan, 1 Vic Clapham Hilton Harriers, Saints AC, Sparten AC, Collegians Harriers
Colin Goosen 43 ((((144)))) 1980–2025[14] 24 , 6 , 8 Bill Rowan, 3 Robert Mtshali, 1 Vic Clapham Save Orion AC, Saints AC, Collegian Harriers, Rocky Road Runners, PE Amateur AC, Uni of Natal PMB
Clive Crawley 42[15] ((((1)))) 1957–2000 1 , 22 , 19 Savages AC
Zwelitsha Gono 42[16] ((((1180)))) 1973-2019 14 , 21 , 1 Bill Rowan, 6 Vic Clapham South Coast Striders
Dave Lowe 42 ((((1702)))) 1974–2015 3 , 35 , 3 Bill Rowan, 1 Vic Clapham Savages AC, Westville AC
David Williams 42[17] ((((1550)))) 1973-2022 1 , 32 , 9 Vic Clapham Savages AC
Tommy Neitski 41 ((((1689)))) 1977-2018 3 , 33 , 5 Vic Clapham Sunshine AC
Riel Hugo 40 ((((1221)))) 1969–2008 21 , 14 , 2 Bill Rowan, 3 Vic Clapham Durbanville AC, Whalers AC, Tygervallei Belville AC, Germiston Callies Harriers
Boysie van Staden 40 ((((2516)))) 1973–2017 6 , 7 , 11 , 7 Bill Rowan, 2 Vic Clapham DHS Old Boys, Savages AC, Berea Rovers AC, Maxed Elite KZN, Durban AC, PDAC, YPAC
Shaun Wood 40 ((((4286)))) 1978–2017 14 , 29 , 1 Bill Rowan, 3 Vic Clapham Westville AC, YPAC, Collegians Harriers
Johann van Eeden 40 ((((1691)))) 1974–2018 35 , 5 Vic Clapham Akasia AC, Ndaba AC, Pretoria MC

No female runner has achieved a quadruple green number yet.

Female triple green numbers

Medal holder Medals Number Medal years Medal categories Clubs
Kleintjie van Schalkwyk 36 (((7919))) 1983–2025[18] 7 Bill Rowan, 26 , 3 Vic Clapham Secunda Marathon Klub, Mossel Bay Harriers, Hartenbos Drawwers
Patricia Fisher 34 (((1011))) 1987–2024 19 , 15 Vic Clapham Stella AC
Kim Pain 32 (((5938))) 1988–2025[19] 20 , 7 Bill Rowan, 5 Vic Clapham Jeppe Quondam AC
Toni Hesp 32 (((5974))) 1985–2025[20] 28 , 4 Vic Clapham Jeppe AC, Rocky Road Runners
Pat Freeman 31 (((6883))) 1989–2022 24 , 7 Vic Clapham Stella AC, Dolphin Coast Striders
Tilda Tearle 30 (((5701))) 1984–2017 3 , 7 , 1 Bill Rowan, 13 , 6 Vic Clapham Savages AC

International triple/double green numbers

International Runners with 20 or More Comrades Medals
ID Athlete Nation Medals Years Active
(((8612))) John Sneddon Scotland 31 1993–2025
((8272)) Klaus Neumann Germany 29 1993–2025
((48663)) Tiago Dionisio Portugal 23 2001–2025
((9436)) Hideo Takano Japan 22 1999–2025
((48418)) Nato Amaral Brazil 20 2004-2025
((378)) Bruce Matthews New Zealand 20 1967–2001

Most consecutive medals

Medal holder Medals Achieved in
Barry Holland 49 2023[21]
Louis Massyn 47 2019[22]
Wietsche van der Westhuizen 46 2025[23]
Vic Boston 44 2022[24]
Alan Robb 42 2015[25]
Dave Lowe 42 2015[26]
Tommy Neitski 41 2017[27]
Kenny Craig 40 1998[28]
Riel Hugo 40 2008[29]
Shaun Wood 40 2017[30]

See also

References

  1. ^ Sherman, Michael (2025-06-05). "Johannes Maros Mosehla, 83, poised to break records as oldest Comrades Marathon runner again". IOL. Retrieved 2025-06-08.
  2. ^ "Bongmusa Mthembu Comrades Results". Finishtime. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  3. ^ "Comrades Marathon Results History". results.ultimate.dk. Archived from the original on 2018-04-05.
  4. ^ "Comrades Marathon Results History". results.ultimate.dk. Archived from the original on 2018-04-05.
  5. ^ "Alexandra Morozova Profile". Finishtime. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  6. ^ Sherman, Michael (9 June 2025). "Comrades Marathon: He did it! Johannes Maros Mosehla finishes Comrades Marathon at 83". IOL Sport. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  7. ^ RW Staff. "82-Year-Old is Oldest Comrades Finisher: Here's All The Results and Stats". runnersworld. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
  8. ^ Isaacson, David. "Oldest Comrades runner, 81, wants to train harder and go faster in 2024". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
  9. ^ Burnard, Lloyd. "'I could run it again!' Oldest finisher in Comrades history says 'age is just a number'". Sport. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
  10. ^ Wally Hayward & Bill Jamieson: Just Call Me Wally: The Memoirs of Wally Hayward. Penprint, 1999, ISBN 978-0-620-24241-7
  11. ^ "Wietsche van der Westhuizen Profile". FinishTime. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  12. ^ "Runner History: Dave Rogers". Archived from the original on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  13. ^ "Mike Cowling". Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  14. ^ "Colin Goosen Profile". FinishTime. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  15. ^ "Runner History: Clive Crawley". Archived from the original on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  16. ^ "Runner 6: Zwelitsha Gono". Archived from the original on 8 October 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  17. ^ "Runner History: David Williams". Archived from the original on 4 August 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  18. ^ "Kleintjie van Schalkwyk Profile". FinishTime. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  19. ^ "Kim Pain Profile". FinishTime. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  20. ^ "Toni Hesp Profile". FinishTime. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  21. ^ "Runner History: Barry Holland". Archived from the original on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  22. ^ "Runner History: Louis Massyn". Archived from the original on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  23. ^ "Comrades Marathon Results History". results.ultimate.dk. Archived from the original on 2018-04-05.
  24. ^ "Runner History: Vic Boston". Archived from the original on 8 October 2017. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  25. ^ "Runner History: Alan Robb". Archived from the original on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  26. ^ "Runner History: Dave Lowe". Archived from the original on 4 August 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  27. ^ "Runner History: Tommy Neitski". Archived from the original on 8 October 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  28. ^ "Runner History: Kenny Craig". Archived from the original on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  29. ^ "Runner History: Riel Hugo". Archived from the original on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  30. ^ "Comrades Marathon Results History". results.ultimate.dk. Archived from the original on 2018-04-05.
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