Comrades Marathon 2026

The Comrades Marathon is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon, held each year on a public holiday in June between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal. The route alternates direction annually — “up” runs go from Durban to Pietermaritzburg (gaining around 1,800 m of elevation), while “down” runs reverse the course. Both cover approximately 89 km and are completed under a 12-hour cut-off. In 2026 the direction has not yet been confirmed at time of writing; check comrades.com for the official announcement.

History and significance

The race was first run in 1921, founded by World War I veteran Vic Clapham as a tribute to fallen soldiers. It has grown from a handful of entrants to more than 20,000 runners crossing the finish line in a typical year, making it by participant numbers the largest ultramarathon on earth. South Africans treat it as a national institution. Schools, businesses, and families organise around it. Millions watch on television. The cut-off gun at 12 hours — fired without mercy — is one of the most emotional moments in endurance sport anywhere in the world.

What to expect

The course passes through rolling KwaZulu-Natal countryside and several named climbs that have become legendary among ultramarathon runners — Cowies Hill, Fields Hill, Botha’s Hill, Inchanga, and Polly Shortts are the five major ascents on the up run. Each has a distinct character and attracts crowds of local supporters who hand out oranges, wet sponges, and encouragement.

Runners must qualify for entry by completing a standard marathon within a set time (requirements vary slightly by year). There are also seeded batches based on previous Comrades finish times, and a separate wheelchair race.

Spectating and attending

The start and finish cities are both well worth a visit. Pietermaritzburg is the capital of KwaZulu-Natal province, with colonial-era architecture and good access to the Drakensberg mountains. Durban has its own strong identity — Indian Ocean beaches, a large Indian-South African population, and excellent street food.

The finish venue hosts a massive public event with live coverage on screens, food and drink stalls, and a crowd that grows progressively more intense as the cut-off approaches and backmarkers race against the gun.

Practical information

• Entry opens online and is allocated by ballot when demand exceeds capacity — qualifying times and registration windows are published on comrades.com well in advance.
• Accommodation along the route books out months ahead; the start and finish cities fill quickly. Pietermaritzburg is a good base for the “up” run; Durban suits the “down”.
• June is South Africa’s winter. KwaZulu-Natal winters are mild compared to the interior but mornings on course can be cold, particularly at altitude between the two cities. Layers at the start are essential.
• The public holiday means traffic volumes are high throughout KwaZulu-Natal on race day. Allow extra travel time if driving between cities.
• If you are visiting South Africa around this time, our KwaZulu-Natal guide covers the wider region.