Comrades starts in Durban

Durban - Around 20 000 runners from all over the world set off on a journey from Durban to Pietermaritzburg as the 90th Comrades Marathon got underway at 05:30 on Sunday.

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Participants started arriving from as early as 03:00, but as the traditional starting cannon approached the streets outside the Durban City hall were flooded in a sea of colour.

Extra layers of clothing were peeled off, the national anthem was sung, xenophobia was banished and it was race time.

It took about 10 minutes for all of the athletes to pass the start line, and when they did spectators and seconders rushed to their cars to get to the next stop - likely to be Westville - to catch a glimpse of their hero for the day.

Sport24 will be keeping you updated throughout the day.