Down - A Comrades Marathon Podcast

By Coach ParrySports Health & Fitness Fitness Running

Down - A Comrades Marathon Podcast episodes

October 06, 2025 Tete Dijana: Inside the Mind of a Comrades Champion
Grab our Comrades Training Plans here

Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-Masterclass

In this special edition, Brad sits down with 2025 Comrades Champion, Tete Dijana. From his humble beginnings to becoming a back-to-back Comrades winner, Tete opens up about his training, recovery, mental strength, and the life-changing impact of the world’s greatest ultramarathon. This is a raw, inspiring conversation with one of the greatest modern-day Comrades athletes.
27 min
September 29, 2025 Peak Block Survival: Recovery, Heat Strategy, and When NOT to Chase a Qualifier
Grab our Comrades Training Plans here

Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-Masterclass
Berlin was hot-hot-hot and Lindsay felt every kilometer. In this episode of UP we cover: how to pace and cool in the heat, the smartest way to survive peak marathon block, what to do if an injury nukes your qualifier, a calm plan for Comrades 2026 novices, Two Oceans ballot realities (and alternatives), plus news on Cape Town pacing bands and Comrades’ new race director.
33 min
September 22, 2025 Why Comrades Is About More Than Medals (Featuring Comrades Board Member Nontuthuko Mashimane
Grab our Comrades Training Plans here

Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-Masterclass

In this episode, we sit down with Nontuthuko Mashimane to unpack the incredible role of charities at the Comrades Marathon. We explore the inspiring causes behind the race, how donations make a difference, and—most importantly—how runners can get involved and give back while chasing their Comrades dream.
41 min
September 15, 2025 The TRUTH About Comrades Pacing Buses
Grab our Comrades Training Plans here

Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-Masterclass
As we look ahead to Comrades Marathon 2026, Brad sits down with Stuart Mann from runningmann.co.za to unpack race-day data on pacing buses: how “sticky” they really are, who actually finishes with them, when they help (and when they don’t), and what this means for your race strategy. We also touch on negative vs positive splits, medal targets (e.g., Bill Rowan sub-9, Robert Mtshali sub-10), and a surprising look at where runners fall off—or latch on—late in the race.
Plus: an emotional update on last week’s guest, Pie-Pacifque, and his remarkable story.
🎯 You’ll learn
- Whether you should run in a pacing bus or run your own race
- Where buses gain/lose runners and why the 12-hour bus behaves differently
- Why the sub-9 bus stands out—and where the 10-hour Wave 1 struggled
- How half-hour “buffer” pacing (e.g., 11:30 for a sub-12) can raise finish odds
- The reality on negative splits (down vs up) and how ego sneaks in
- Practical tips to avoid congestion and tailor pacing to your strengths (ups vs downs)
37 min
September 08, 2025 This Story Will Change the Way You See the Comrades Marathon Forever!
Grab our Comrades Training Plans here

Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-Masterclass

From surviving the Rwandan genocide to conquering his first Comrades Marathon, Pie-Pacifique Kabalira-Uwase's story is one of resilience, purpose, and the true spirit of endurance. This is more than just a race; it’s a journey of survival, healing, and honouring fallen comrades.
35 min
September 01, 2025 The Spring Comrades Marathon Shift
Grab our Comrades Training Plans here

Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-Masterclass
Spring is here in the Southern Hemisphere and in this episode of Up, Brad and Coach Lindsey unpack where Comrades hopefuls should be right now, how to approach Cape Town & Soweto Marathon as qualifiers, and what first-timers (and two-year planners aiming at the 100th Comrades in 2027) should focus on next.
You’ll get clear, practical guidance for September–November: weekly volume targets, sharpening speed with shorter intervals, smart race selection, and why strength training is non-negotiable (hint: most DNFs start the race already injured). We also chat about entry date rumors, qualifying windows, and what to do if you’re not marathon-ready yet—without the panic.
20 min
August 25, 2025 10:47 & Tears: Shaina’s Unbelievable First Comrades
Grab our Comrades Training Plans here

Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-Masterclass

Shaina-Rae, East Coast Radio host and coffee shop owner, shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey to completing her first Comrades Marathon in 10:47. From family legacy to a surprise post-surgery comeback, this episode is packed with heart, grit, and goosebump moments.
23 min
August 18, 2025 From 11 Hours to Silver Medals in Comrades - The Sipho Marima Story
Grab our Comrades Training Plans here

Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-Masterclass

Get ready for an inspiring and energy-packed conversation with the unstoppable Sipho Marima as we dive into his journey from soccer to running, from half marathons to five Comrades finishes, and what his secret weapon is. We unpack the rise of Hyrox, the mental game behind chasing silver medals, and the life lessons this “cult” race keeps teaching year after year.
35 min
August 11, 2025 The Minister of Champions vs. The Final 10K
Grab our Comrades Training Plans here

Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-Masterclass

From electric blankets in Durban to last-minute Comrades hustle, comedian and runner Rory Petzer is back on Up with stories that'll make you laugh, cringe, and maybe lace up again. We talk about surviving Comrades 2025, the itch to run again, dying on stage (literally and comedically), and why stand-up comedy might be scarier than the final 10K of the up run.
40 min
August 04, 2025 'Why Did I Enter?’ → ‘When’s the Next One?’(A Comrades Novice Story)
Grab our Comrades Training Plans here

Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Grab your spot in our upcoming Faster Beyond 50 Masterclass here: https://coachparry.com/lkz8-Faster-Beyond-50-Masterclass

In this raw and real Comrades debrief, Amish Kooverjee shares what it’s like to run 90K for the first time, battle unexpected chaos, and still fall in love with the race. From the magic of the start line to the moment everything unravelled, this one’s a must-listen for every future Comrades runner.
23 min