Runners try to keep warm as they line up at the start of the 2012 Comrades Marathon in Pietermaritzburg, ahead of the gruelling 89.28 km run. The ultra-marathon has been run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban alternating every year since 1921. It started as a tribute to fallen soldiers of the First World War, the first event had 34 starters and 16 finishers, the 2012 edition of the marathon had 11 894 finishers, making it not only the oldest ultra marathon in the world, but also the biggest.
A street performer runs along with a runner for a while at a one of many spectator points along the route.
The leading group at about 70km, which comprised of former 3 time winner, Stephen Muzinghi (Second from left) and eventual winner Ludwick Mamabolo (Second from right).
A cow crosses ahead of a second group which included eventual 5th placer Leonid Shvetsov.
Crowds lined the route supporting not only the elite runners, but every runner that came through.
South African Ludwick Mamabolo coming in to win the race in a time of 5:31:03.
PS, 19 June 2012
The South African Institute for Drug Free Sport confirmed that Ludwick Mamabolo tested positive for Methylhexaneamine, a banned substance. He faces a two year ban and being stripped of the Comrades title, if an independent tribunal finds him guilty.