The Comrades Marathon, known as the "Ultimate Human Race," spans around 90 kilometres between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, South Africa. The course alternates between a "down run" (from Pietermaritzburg to Durban) and an "up run" (from Durban to Pietermaritzburg), with each variant presenting unique demands on runners—and particularly on their shoes.

Given the long, gruelling hills and high mileage, the Comrades demands shoes that excel in shock absorption, durability, stability, and comfort for long distances. Down runs, characterized by significant descents, call for robust cushioning to protect joints from high-impact forces, while up runs put extra strain on calves and Achilles tendons, emphasizing the need for shoes with reliable traction and support.

Enter the Eclipse Universe

The Run On Cloudeclipse has proven itself a stellar choice for runners taking on the Comrades Marathon, given its impressive blend of lightweight build, cushioning, and durability. Designed with high-mileage runners in mind, the Run On Cloudeclipse offers a max stack height (40mm heel, 34mm forefoot) that helps absorb the constant pounding on pavement and eases stress on joints. This cushioning relies on Helion™ superfoam, which provides a balanced feel that remains responsive while staying soft enough to minimize fatigue on the long, gruelling road stretches of Comrades.

Technically, the Run On Cloudeclipse stands out with its refined CloudTec® outsole that integrates rubber pads, enhancing grip on wet and uneven surfaces – a common challenge along the Comrades course. Meanwhile, a carbon-infused Speedboard® provides just the right amount of propulsion and energy return, especially for runners who hit their stride in the latter stages of the race. Despite being a high-cushion shoe, the Cloudeclipse doesn't sacrifice stability or precision: its slightly firmer forefoot construction gives a more responsive push-off without feeling overly rigid, while the rocker shape delivers a smooth, rolling transition.

For comfort on those endless climbs and descents, the shoe's upper features a breathable dual-layer mesh that's both snug and accommodating in the toebox, helping to prevent the dreaded "black toe" from prolonged downhill sections. Even for seasoned runners, this blend of cushioning, support, and stability makes this Run On Clouds shoe an excellent ally for a marathon as unique and demanding as the Comrades.

Pick this amazing distance shoe up from your nearest retailer or find it on our website: Shop Cloudeclipse – Men | Shop Cloudeclipse – Women