Comrades Ultimate Human Race brings together athletes from BRICS countries

The 97th Comrades Marathon attracted athletes from around the world, including representatives from BRICS countries, India, South Africa, Ethiopia, Brazil, China, Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Among the women's athletes, South Africa's Gerda Steyn was victorious. She broke her own course record towards the Up run by more than nine minutes. She is second only to seven-time winner Elena Nurgalieva (Russia) in terms of women's titles won. The men's gold medal went to Dutchman Piet Wiersma. 

The Comrades Marathon is known for alternating destinations each year, and this year participants started in Durban and finished in Pietermaritzburg. The race involved about 1,750 metres of elevation gain. 

Photo: Comrades Marathon