Comrades 2026 delivers impressive numbers
From the number of qualifiers and finishers to record-breaking performances and improved medical outcomes, the 2026 Comrades Marathon delivered a strong statistical showing across the board, according to organisers.
The 2026 Comrades Marathon Up Run, held on June 14, produced several improved statistics compared to the 2025 race, highlighting strong participation, high finish rates and positive medical outcomes.
Qualifiers and starters
Of the 22 676 runners who secured entries, 21 683 qualified to start the race, representing a qualification rate of 95.62% – the highest since 2010 and an improvement on 2025’s 93.96%.
A total of 21 292 runners registered and collected race packs, resulting in a registration rate of 98.19%, while 20 349 runners eventually lined up at the start in Durban, representing 93.84% of the qualified field – the highest starter percentage since 2006.
Women made up 21.61% of the starting field, with 4 398 female runners taking part.
Finishers and medals
With the 2026 race being an Up Run and the shortest route in Comrades history at 85.777km, finish rates improved significantly.
Of the 20 349 starters, 18 276 completed the race before the 12-hour cut-off, resulting in an 89.81% finish rate, up from 86.88% in 2025.
Among novice runners, 4 105 of the 4 683 first-time participants earned medals, giving a finish rate of 87.65%, also higher than the previous year.
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A total of 2 743 runners earned Back-to-Back medals, while 525 runners achieved Green Numbers for completing their 10th, 20th, 30th or 40th Comrades Marathon. Of these, 438 runners earned Green Numbers for completing their 10th race.
The elite race also delivered memorable performances. George Kusche, who won the West Rand Marathon 21km race in Randfontein earlier this year, shattered the men’s Up Run record by nearly nine minutes, while Gerda Steyn claimed her fifth Comrades title.
Medical statistics
Medical figures were also encouraging. The Finish Medical Tent and St John’s First Aid teams treated 393 patients, representing just 1.8% of the field and significantly fewer than anticipated.
A total of 94 runners were transported to the hospital, with 23 admitted for treatment. By the Wednesday following the race, only six patients remained in the hospital, and all were reported to be recovering well.
Looking ahead to the centenary
Reflecting on the race, Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) general manager Alain Dalais said the 2026 event was a fitting celebration of the 50th Up Run and an important stepping stone towards the race’s centenary in 2027.
“We are incredibly proud of the 2026 race and our two record-breaking winners. George lived up to pre-race expectations by shattering the men’s Up Run record, while Gerda joined some of the race’s most illustrious legends with five victories.
“Furthermore, we treated this race as a final dress rehearsal for the 2027 centenary edition. Our volunteers, staff, sponsors, partners and service providers all contributed to what many participants described as one of their best Comrades Marathon experiences.”
Dalais also congratulated all finishers, from first-time runners and Back-to-Back medal recipients to Green Number achievers and those who crossed the finish line in the final hour.
Overall, the 2026 Comrades Marathon delivered stronger participation, improved finish rates, record-breaking performances and positive medical outcomes, setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark centenary celebration in 2027.
Visit the official Comrades Marathon website for more detailed information.
• Source: Comrades Marathon Association
