History was made this week when entries for the 2026 Comrades Marathon sold out in under 10 hours - a new record for the world’s oldest and most famous ultramarathon.
Entries opened at 10am on Monday, 3 November, and by just before 8pm the cap of 22,000 runners had been reached. The previous record was three days for the 2020 race, which saw 27,000 entries sell out.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) says the overwhelming response exceeded expectations. “We are thrilled by the response,” said CMA General Manager Alain Dalais. “We knew interest would be high, with 2026 marking the 99th edition and the 100th milestone race in 2027, but we didn’t expect entries to close this fast.”
According to Dalais, the record-breaking demand confirms the Comrades’ reputation as one of South Africa’s most iconic sporting events. “It’s a powerful statement of how much passion runners still have for ‘The Ultimate Human Race,’” he added.
The entry process began a week earlier, on 27 October, with a special early-entry window for Green Number Club and CMA members. This accounted for just over 2,500 entries before the general public window opened on 3 November. Nearly 19,500 additional entries were then processed on the first day, reaching the reduced cap of 22,000 - lowered from 24,000 in 2025 to ensure runner safety and a better experience.
Runners who missed out will still have a chance through the official Substitution Process in March and April 2026. Race Director Sue Forge says withdrawals will be accepted from 16 to 30 March, followed by substitution entries from 1 to 15 April. “Substitute runners will pay the full 2026 entry fee to the CMA, and withdrawing runners will receive an 85% refund after a 15% admin fee,” she explained.
CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo thanked all entrants for their enthusiasm. “Your dedication continues to inspire us,” he said. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the start line on 14 June 2026 for another memorable Up Run.”
The 2026 Comrades Marathon will mark the 99th edition of the race and the 50th Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. The approximately 87km route will begin at Durban City Hall and end at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse.
The official race theme for 2026, Ska Fela Moya — Setswana for “Don’t Give Up” — celebrates South African resilience and the spirit of every Comrades runner. Qualification runs remain open from 9 June 2025 to 4 May 2026, with runners needing to complete a standard marathon (42.2km) in under five hours to qualify.
Entries opened at 10am on Monday, 3 November, and by just before 8pm the cap of 22,000 runners had been reached. The previous record was three days for the 2020 race, which saw 27,000 entries sell out.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) says the overwhelming response exceeded expectations. “We are thrilled by the response,” said CMA General Manager Alain Dalais. “We knew interest would be high, with 2026 marking the 99th edition and the 100th milestone race in 2027, but we didn’t expect entries to close this fast.”
According to Dalais, the record-breaking demand confirms the Comrades’ reputation as one of South Africa’s most iconic sporting events. “It’s a powerful statement of how much passion runners still have for ‘The Ultimate Human Race,’” he added.
The entry process began a week earlier, on 27 October, with a special early-entry window for Green Number Club and CMA members. This accounted for just over 2,500 entries before the general public window opened on 3 November. Nearly 19,500 additional entries were then processed on the first day, reaching the reduced cap of 22,000 - lowered from 24,000 in 2025 to ensure runner safety and a better experience.
Runners who missed out will still have a chance through the official Substitution Process in March and April 2026. Race Director Sue Forge says withdrawals will be accepted from 16 to 30 March, followed by substitution entries from 1 to 15 April. “Substitute runners will pay the full 2026 entry fee to the CMA, and withdrawing runners will receive an 85% refund after a 15% admin fee,” she explained.
CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo thanked all entrants for their enthusiasm. “Your dedication continues to inspire us,” he said. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the start line on 14 June 2026 for another memorable Up Run.”
The 2026 Comrades Marathon will mark the 99th edition of the race and the 50th Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. The approximately 87km route will begin at Durban City Hall and end at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse.
The official race theme for 2026, Ska Fela Moya — Setswana for “Don’t Give Up” — celebrates South African resilience and the spirit of every Comrades runner. Qualification runs remain open from 9 June 2025 to 4 May 2026, with runners needing to complete a standard marathon (42.2km) in under five hours to qualify.
