Down - A Comrades Marathon Podcast

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 Francois missed his sub-11 Comrades goal by just 16 minutes, but ran a massive negative split and finished far stronger than most novices. So did his cautious race plan save his Comrades… or actually cost him his goal?

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 Are you actually on track for the Comrades Marathon you’re aiming for? Lindsey and Brad break down what your current marathon performance tells you about your realistic Comrades goal, when you should qualify, and the training mistake that could leave you exhausted before the most important part of your build even begins. Whether you’ve already qualified or haven’t run your qualifier yet, this could completely change how you approach Comrades 2027.

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 2026, Johnny Jansen van Rensburg broke the sub-3-hour marathon barrier and earned a Comrades silver medal after years of steadily improving. But the story did not stop there. Just weeks later, he went on to win the Washie 100 Miler in 15:40. So what changed? In this episode, Lindsey unpacks the training, strength work, fueling, mindset and consistency behind Johnny’s huge breakthrough and how he went from chasing better times to becoming a Comrades silver medalist and 100-mile winner.

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 Anna had a 3:55 marathon behind her and a 9:50 Comrades goal. She started conservatively, but by around 28km, something already felt wrong. She eventually finished in 11:34. So what happened? When a race goes wrong, it’s easy to question your pacing or wonder whether you should have done more long runs. But were those actually the problem here?

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 2026 Comrades champion George Kusche reveals what really went into his record-breaking win, the training mistake he won’t repeat, and what he’s changing for the 2027 Down Run.

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 You’re in for Comrades 2027. So what should your training actually look like right now? In this episode, Lindsey Parry and Devlin Eyden break down where novice and experienced Comrades runners should be at this stage of the year, when to start introducing intensity, how much speed work you really need, and the warning signs that you may be doing too much too soon.

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 He had the fitness, the marathon time and enough training to run a sub-9 Comrades. So how did a realistic Bill Rowan goal turn into an 11:45 finish? In this Comrades Race Roast, Lindsey breaks down the training and race data to reveal three mistakes that completely changed Ian’s day, including one that started in the opening kilometres. If you’re preparing for the 2027 Comrades Down Run, this is a race strategy lesson you do not want to learn the hard way.

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 You’re scared that missing a run will ruin your Comrades preparation. But what if doing it is the bigger mistake? Lindsey and Dr Kelly unpack the warning signs runners brush off, why pushing through can backfire, and what really happens to your fitness when you take a few days off.

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 At 33, Jade doesn’t fit the picture many people have in their heads of a typical Comrades runner. But what pulled her from the marathon into the Ultimate Human Race was far bigger than chasing a finish time. In this episode, Jade opens up about the personal reason she took on Comrades, the doubts she had along the way, what surprised her most about the experience, and why she believes far more young women should be standing on that start line. And with two Comrades finishes already behind her, including a silver medal, she’s now considering a goal that even she admits scares her.

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 Comrades 2027 is already shaping up to be very different, and getting your entry is only the beginning. In this episode, Lindsey and Brad break down what runners need to know about the new entry process, where your training should realistically be right now, and why rushing your qualifier could do more harm than good. They also unpack one area many Comrades runners get wrong: fuelling your qualifier like you would fuel Comrades itself. Whether you’re chasing your first Comrades medal or coming back for another, this episode will help you make smarter decisions now that could make a huge difference later.

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 Strength Training For Comrades Runners: https://www.coachparry.com/comrades-strength-training?utm_source=youtube-sa-races&utm_medium=video-description&utm_campaign=video-9 Training for Comrades is about far more than simply building mileage. There’s one part of preparation that many runners continuously push aside, yet it could make an enormous difference when your legs are taking a beating deep into the 2027 Down Run. In this episode, Devlin Eyden and Shona Hendricks unpack why so many Comrades runners struggle with this part of their training, what actually counts, and how to fit it into an already busy running week without compromising your key sessions.

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 Clement Manyathela is one of South Africa’s best-known broadcasters, but away from the microphone, he’s become completely hooked on the Comrades Marathon. And his journey has been anything but straightforward. In this episode of Down, Brad sits down with Clement to talk about how he went from running just a few kilometres to taking on Comrades, why running became such an important outlet from the pressure of broadcasting, and what keeps pulling him back to one of the toughest races in the world.

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 Submit Your Comrades Down Run for Coach Parry to analyse: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfItj9wBJzpriG1crtOvYjYjTN7ifiMMKFG-HEuCtlMUMRdIw/viewform Today, the team dives into another Comrades Roast to uncover how a few seemingly small training decisions can add up to a costly race day. From pushing too hard in a late qualifier to recovery, taper timing and mental energy, this episode breaks down the mistakes that could be standing between you and your Comrades goal.

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 The road to Comrades 2027 has started, but that does not mean you should be training for Comrades just yet. In this episode, Coach Lindsey explains what experienced Comrades runners and first-time runners should be doing in August, why qualifying too early can backfire, and the warning signs that you may still be carrying fatigue from Comrades 2026

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 What does a near-perfect Comrades Marathon look like? In this episode, Coach Lindsey & Brad break down the pacing, training and race-day decisions behind Danie’s incredible 6:32 Down Run. Danie started conservatively, maintained an exceptionally even effort and finished four minutes faster in the second half. The result was a huge PB and a performance that exceeded even Lindsey’s best predicted finishing time.

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 Submit Your Comrades Down Run for Coach Parry to Analyse: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfItj9wBJzpriG1crtOvYjYjTN7ifiMMKFG-HEuCtlMUMRdIw/viewform She finished her first Comrades Marathon down run with just over six minutes to spare. But was her race actually well paced, or was she much closer to disaster than the finishing time suggests? In this Comrades Race Roast, Lindsey and Brad analyse a novice runner’s training, pacing, heart rate and race-day execution. She completed nearly 800 kilometres in training, ran a 60-kilometre long run and reached halfway in 5:57 while chasing a sub-12-hour finish. The data reveals where she got it right, where she took unnecessary risks and why going only a few minutes faster in the first half could have completely changed her result.

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 The 100th Comrades Marathon is coming, and demand for 2027 is expected to be bigger than ever. Comrades Marathon Association Chairperson Mark Leathers joins Brad to reveal what runners need to know about the 2027 entry process, the planned ballot, early entry access, the race cap and whether the announced race date is secure. They also look back at the biggest issues from the 2026 race, including traffic problems, the television broadcast and the improvements being planned for 2027.

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 of Down, the Coach Parry Comrades Marathon Podcast, Brad chats with Dave Ingram, a remarkable Comrades athlete who has earned 13 Vic Clapham medals by walking every step of every race. Dave shares how he qualifies for Comrades, his unique training philosophy, race-day pacing strategies, and why walking with purpose can be a powerful advantage. Whether you're planning to run, walk, or use a run-walk strategy at Comrades 2027, this conversation is packed with practical insights on pacing, confidence, recovery, and finishing strong.

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 Comrades 2027 is officially on the horizon, and the excitement around the 100th running is already massive. In this episode, Brad is back with Official Comrades Coach Lindsey Parry to look at how you should approach your Comrades 2027 training, whether you ran in 2026, are returning after a long break, or are hoping to take on Comrades for the very first time. They talk about why you should not rush back into hard training, how to structure the rest of your year, when to think about qualifying, and why consistency now matters more than chasing massive mileage too early. If Comrades 2027 is on your radar, this is where your journey starts.

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 After 17 years away from running Comrades, Lindsey returned with a conservative race plan, serious strength training, smart pacing… and still had to battle brutal hills, blazing heat, cramping calves, and the mental chaos of Poly Shortts. In this episode, we unpack his full race debrief: what worked, what nearly ruined the day, why strength training changed his recovery, how he ran a negative split, and the biggest lessons every Comrades runner needs to hear before the historic 100th edition. Whether you finished, didn’t finish, or are already dreaming of Comrades 2027... this one is packed with powerful lessons, honest mistakes, and the kind of inspiration only Comrades can deliver.