99% Invisible

The Comrades

Jan 24, 2023

In this engaging discussion, Ryan Lenora Brown, a reporter specialized in South Africa, dives deep into the cultural heartbeat of the Comrades Ultramarathon. He highlights how this grueling 56-mile race became a symbol of inclusivity during apartheid, bringing together runners from diverse backgrounds. Brown shares personal stories illustrating the camaraderie among participants, showcasing how unity and resilience thrive through shared challenges. He explores the marathon's role in transforming South Africa's running culture, making it a beacon of hope in a divided society.

42:05

Creator website

Episode guests

Ryan Lenora Brown

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Cost of Apartheid

01:25

The Race to the Finish: Bruce Ford and Samuel Shabbalala

01:12

The Comrades' Slowest Bus

00:54

Intro

2min

The Comrades Marathon: A Journey of Inclusivity

10min

Running Towards Unity: The Comrades Marathon

20min

Overcoming Psychological Barriers Through Camaraderie

5min

Rugby: A Cultural Pillar in South African History

2min

Sports and Unity: The 1995 Rugby World Cup

5min

Unity Through Sports: The Transformative Role of Rugby in South Africa

3min

If you live in South Africa, you definitely know someone who runs ultra-marathons, probably lots of someones. Here, ultras are the stuff of a whole country’s new years resolutions and mid-life crises. They’re the kind of thing that a totally ordinary, not-athletic person wakes up one day and decides they’re going to do -- and then does. In one of the most economically unequal countries in the world, extreme distance running is a sport that feels like it includes everybody. And improbably, that inclusiveness happened during one of the darkest, most divided moments in South Africa’s history – during the final years of apartheid.

The Comrades

Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and get exclusive access to bonus episodes.
Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

Get the app