THE Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) officially launched the 2026 edition of the world-renowned ultramarathon at a special event at Comrades House in Pietermaritzburg today (October 8).

The launch event marked the start of the countdown to race day on Sunday, June 14, 2026, and provided key updates on the route, entry process, campaign theme, and prize money.

Key highlights from the launch

Race campaign unveiled
One of the major announcements was the unveiling of the 2026 race slogan, “Ska Fela Moya”, which is Setswana for “Don’t Give Up”. The slogan was selected from over 200 entries submitted by members of the running community. CMA chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo said the phrase encapsulates the resilience and spirit that define the Comrades Marathon.

Route details
The 2026 Comrades will see its 50th Up Run, starting in Durban and finishing in Pietermaritzburg. Runners will cover an approximate distance of 87km.

Entry process
Race entries will be limited to 22 000 participants and will open in two phases:
Phase 1 (27 October 2025): Reserved for Green Number Club runners (those who have completed 10 or more Comrades Marathons).
Phase 2 (3 November 2025): Open to all other runners, both local and international.
Entries close: 26 November 2025, or once the 22 000 cap is reached.

Entry fees for 2026 remain unchanged
South African runners: R1 200
African continent runners: R2 000
International runners: R4 500
Entries via the official Comrades Marathon website at www.comrades.com

Increased prize money
CMA general manager Alain Dalais confirmed that prize money for 2026 will see a 10% increase across all categories. Men’s and women’s winners are now set to receive R925 000 each. This forms part of the total prize purse of R8.19m which includes a bonus incentive of R605 000 should either the men’s or women’s race winner break the Best Time previously recorded for the Up Run. Also included is another bonus incentive of R550 000 for the men’s and women’s winners if they break the Average Pace Record for the Up Run.
Additional cash prizes will be awarded to the first South African man and woman finishers and the top three KwaZulu-Natal finishers (men and women), in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Charity drive: Amabeadibeadi continues
The CMA continues its commitment to giving back through the Comrades Amabeadibeadi Charity Drive, which has raised over R84m since 1996. Runners are encouraged to support the six official charities for the 2026 race: Childhood Cancer Foundation SA (CHOC), Childline KwaZulu-Natal, Community Chest of Pietermaritzburg & Durban, Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust, Rise Against Hunger and SANParks Honorary Rangers.

“The 2026 Comrades Marathon looks set to be another exciting edition of the world-famous ultramarathon, and we know that this launch is just the start of the excitement as we build up to hosting the next Up Run in about eight months,” said Ngcobo.

“The CMA is committed to ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all participants, and we will have enhanced safety measures and support services in place, including medical assistance, refreshment stations, route marshals and law enforcement personnel. Our team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional race experience, and we encourage all participants to prepare thoroughly and embrace the journey,” he added.

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