The organisers of the Comrades Marathon said it was all systems go for the popular race that began on Sunday morning, the SABC reported.

Marathon CEO Gary Boshoff told the broadcaster that for the first time in the Comrades race's history there would be two consecutive down runs.

The 84th Comrades Marathon would also see all first-time runners qualify to run in the race in 2010.

More than 12 000 runners from 47 countries were expected to take to the streets in the 89-kilometre race.

Zoopy took to the streets to find out what South Africans think about the challenging ultra-marathon.

Sapa

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