Comrades Marathon 2026
Dates taking place: 14th June 2026
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
We present to you the ultramarathon for those who find normal marathons too boring and aren't afraid of pain. The Comrades Marathon 2026, as the name suggests, and as the thousands of runners every year will definitely tell you, is an incredible experience - albeit a painful one. It's 90km on a leg burning, hill punishing, soul destroying, torturous road. But it's on a road that you'll just love running on for 90km. The Comrades Marathon 2026 is the oldest ulrauhmerr to exist. The first ultramarathon was done back in 1921. Extreme sports have come a whooooole lot since then, and so have the medieval knight references.
What on Earth Is the Comrades Marathon?
Every year the Comrades Marathon holds either an “up” run, going from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, and in the opposite direction is an annual “down” run. Don’t be put at ease thinking the “down” run is going to be easier. Both courses are equally brutal, with multiple uphill sections such as Polly Shortts and Fields Hill, having names that are inviting, but are not fun when you are gassed and are at the 70km mark. While the 12 hour cut off may seem generous, at the 70km mark when you are gassed and hundreds of other people are on the verge of collapsing, it is anything but. If you fall into this category of collapsing, and you conclude the run in that last cut off window, the spectators will burst into tears of joy and welcome you and they may actually collapse. It really is that type of event.
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A Race With Serious Soul
What really sets the Comrades Marathon 2026 aside from the other bigger sporting events is the feeling and atmosphere. It is nothing like other events where elite competitors are run out of the distance where polite spectators applaud them. This event is far more experiential with a community feel as it hosts over 25,000 attendees from over 80 nations, where there are roadside barbecues, people ringing bells, local kids are cheering for you by name and attending spectators have been in the same place since 4 am and this is the only event they feel it is their absolute duty to be at. The feeling and energy of the country is something truly special. The energy is phenomenal, there is an outrageous amount of hospitality and it is all the hospitality you expect, and more, in KwaZulu-Natal.
More Than Just the Finish Line
Durban and Pietermaritzburg make for a fantastic race experience destination package. The Golden Mile Beach, uShaka Marine World, the Valley of a Thousand Hills, and some of the best food you will ever have are all included. Whether you are participating in the run, cheering a runner, or are just a tagalong, the beautiful area delivers far more than just a road marathon.
For Travel Agents, DMCs, and Incentive Planners
Now, let’s get to the fun part. The 2026 Comrades Marathon is a complex race to plan around, and your clients will definitely need your help. Race registration, accommodation in both cities, transportation between the start and finish lines, and planned activities for the non-runners to help pass the time are all aspects that will need your help. Comrades Marathon corporate groups are a popular choice for incentive getaways because of the combination of motivation from sport, the beautiful country of South Africa, and excellent hospitality. Comrades is a very popular incentive, so accommodation and tours should be booked quickly. The accommodation in Durban and Pietermaritzburg sells out quickly, and so should your packages.
For more information about the event visit this page.
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Disclaimer:
We have researched the dates of this event for you. However, before you plan and book, please always check with the event organiser directly to see if there have been any changes and if the event still takes place.
