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The Comrades Marathon is the world’s oldest and largest ultra-marathon, a legendary race of approximately 86km that alternates annually between the South African cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Course Highlights
The 2026 “Up Run” starts at sea level from the Durban City Hall and ascends toward Pietermaritzburg, covering an official distance of 85.777 km. Runners must conquer the legendary “Big Five” hills: Cowies Hill, Field’s Hill, Botha’s Hill, Inchanga, and the punishing Polly Shortts near the finish. The route traverses the spectacular Valley of a Thousand Hills, offering dramatic vistas of the KwaZulu-Natal landscape. The course consists of rolling asphalt roads lined with over a million enthusiastic spectators. The race concludes with an emotional finish at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
Why Runners Love It
Known as “The Ultimate Human Race,” the Comrades Marathon is celebrated for its profound spirit of camaraderie and grueling physical challenge. The race features an iconic start where the pre-dawn silence is broken by a recorded cock crow and the stirring melodies of “Chariots of Fire” and “Shosholoza.” With a massive field of over 20,000 runners, the atmosphere is electric from start to finish. The strict 12-hour cutoff is legendary, as the final gun blast and the closing of the finish line gates create a dramatic and often heartbreaking conclusion to the day’s heroics.
Race Details
- Location: Durban, South Africa
- Distances: Ultra Marathon (approx. 86km)
- Next Race Date: 2026-06-14
- Start Time: 05:00
Race Weekend Tips
Arrive in Durban by the Thursday before the race to visit the Comrades Expo at the Durban Exhibition Centre for registration and number collection. For the Up Run, staying near the Durban beachfront is highly recommended for easy access to the start line. Winter mornings in KwaZulu-Natal are chilly (around 10°C), so bring “throwaway” clothes for the 05:00 start. Official shuttles are the most reliable way to reach the start at City Hall due to extensive road closures and lack of local parking.
History & Charity
Founded in 1921 by World War I veteran Vic Clapham, the Comrades Marathon was established as a living memorial to the South African soldiers who perished in the Great War. From its humble beginnings with just 34 entrants, it has grown into a global phenomenon. The race is famous for its unique tradition of alternating directions annually between “Up” and “Down” runs. Through its “Race4Charity” platform, the event raises significant funds for official beneficiaries including the Community Chest, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation, and WildTrust.
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal 4001 South Africa
The Comrades Marathon is the world’s oldest and largest ultra-marathon, a legendary race of approximately 86km that alternates annually between the South African cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Course Highlights
The 2026 “Up Run” starts at sea level from the Durban City Hall and ascends toward Pietermaritzburg, covering an official distance of 85.777 km. Runners must conquer the legendary “Big Five” hills: Cowies Hill, Field’s Hill, Botha’s Hill, Inchanga, and the punishing Polly Shortts near the finish. The route traverses the spectacular Valley of a Thousand Hills, offering dramatic vistas of the KwaZulu-Natal landscape. The course consists of rolling asphalt roads lined with over a million enthusiastic spectators. The race concludes with an emotional finish at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
Why Runners Love It
Known as “The Ultimate Human Race,” the Comrades Marathon is celebrated for its profound spirit of camaraderie and grueling physical challenge. The race features an iconic start where the pre-dawn silence is broken by a recorded cock crow and the stirring melodies of “Chariots of Fire” and “Shosholoza.” With a massive field of over 20,000 runners, the atmosphere is electric from start to finish. The strict 12-hour cutoff is legendary, as the final gun blast and the closing of the finish line gates create a dramatic and often heartbreaking conclusion to the day’s heroics.
Race Details
- Location: Durban, South Africa
- Distances: Ultra Marathon (approx. 86km)
- Next Race Date: 2026-06-14
- Start Time: 05:00
Race Weekend Tips
Arrive in Durban by the Thursday before the race to visit the Comrades Expo at the Durban Exhibition Centre for registration and number collection. For the Up Run, staying near the Durban beachfront is highly recommended for easy access to the start line. Winter mornings in KwaZulu-Natal are chilly (around 10°C), so bring “throwaway” clothes for the 05:00 start. Official shuttles are the most reliable way to reach the start at City Hall due to extensive road closures and lack of local parking.
History & Charity
Founded in 1921 by World War I veteran Vic Clapham, the Comrades Marathon was established as a living memorial to the South African soldiers who perished in the Great War. From its humble beginnings with just 34 entrants, it has grown into a global phenomenon. The race is famous for its unique tradition of alternating directions annually between “Up” and “Down” runs. Through its “Race4Charity” platform, the event raises significant funds for official beneficiaries including the Community Chest, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation, and WildTrust.