The Comrades Marathon is an iconic race in the world of long-distance endurance running. This ultramarathon is run annually in South Africa and is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon race and alternates between the two cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg each year. At a distance of approx. 55 miles/87kms, with several large hills amongst the seemingly endless vistas and stunning scenery, it provides an incredible challenge for any runner.
Comrades Marathon 2026 Up Run details
Race Date: 14 June 2026
Race Start: 05:45am in Durban (TBC)
Race Finish: 12 hours later in Pietermaritzburg
Distance: ULTRA approx. 87kms
Entries: 22,000
The Course
2026 is an Up Run that will start in Durban, outside the City Hall from 05:45am to the sounds of Chariots of Fire, Shosholoza, the famous cock crow and the National Anthem. It’s a long day at the office for many and a beast of a race but the experience is second to none. There are lots of challenging hills and enthusiastic support from spectators along the roads. Finish as a hero before cut off 12 hours later in Pietermaritzburg.
Temperature
Conditions are usually dry and warm, with expected temperatures ranging from 50 to 65 degrees. The start in Durban is mild, warming up throughout the day and then gets cooling down considerably in the late afternoon/evening in Pietermaritzburg.
Tip! Train in warm/hot temperatures where possible.
Back to Back
2025 saw 18,884 Comrades Marathon runners on the start line and 17,313 finishers, an astounding 91.68% finish rate. Any novice who completed 2025 will receive a back-to-back medal in addition to their Comrades Marathon medal when finishing 2026 before the cut-off time.
Time Limits & Cut-Offs
The race will have batch wave starts and be timed “mat-to-mat”. The cut-off times for these points will be confirmed in the final race instructions. For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website
Qualification Requirement
All entrants are required to meet the Comrades Marathon 2026 qualifying criteria. Quaifying period 9 June 2025 – 4 May 2026
Failure to meet the qualifying criteria will result in your entry being rejected. The cut-off date for supplying the below information in order to make your entry complete is 4 May 2026.
Update your qualifying details either by using your online entry profile, email, or contacting the CMA office by 4 May 2026.
Generally speaking, you need to complete the medical questionnaire (available by logging into your entry profile once entered) and you would need to complete a standard marathon in a time of sub 5 hours (4:59:59) and between 9 June 2025 and 4 May 2026, but other ultra distanced races can be used as qualifiers. The qualifying table and for more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website.
Minimum Age: 20 years old
Entry Fee
Guaranteed entry is available as an additional cost when booked with our package.
Number Pickup:
You must collect your (2) Comrades Marathon race numbers, FREE runners t-shirt and goodie bag from the venue you have indicated on your entry form.
It is important to note the following when collecting your race number package:
Difficulty:
Very challenging! Ultra-marathon with strict time limit and endless hills.
For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website.
