2027 Comrades Marathon entries open for historic 100th race

Entries for the 2027 Comrades Marathon open today, Tuesday 25 August 2026, with the first group of eligible runners gaining access from 10am.

The Comrades Marathon Association has introduced a three-stage entry process for the centenary race.

The process follows the official race launch on Wednesday 19 August, where the CMA revealed the centenary campaign, The Greatest Story Ever Run, and a special 100th edition logo.

Historic race set for June 2027

The 2027 Comrades Marathon takes place on Sunday 13 June.

First run in 1921, the Comrades Marathon is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon. The race takes place between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, alternating between Up and Down directions.

The 2027 race will mark:

• The 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon

• The 50th Down Run to Durban

• The introduction of a new finish venue at the Kings Park Rugby Stadium precinct

Entry cap rises to 28,000 runners

The CMA has increased the entry cap to 28,000 runners.

The 2025 Down Run had 24,000 entries, while last year’s Up Run had 22,500.

CMA Race Director Sue Forge said the larger field had received careful operational and safety consideration.

“The decision to increase the entry cap to 28,000 has been carefully considered and is supported by extensive operational and safety planning.”

“The sports fields within the Kings Park precinct provide significantly more space for the finish area and race village, enabling us to accommodate the larger field while creating a safer, more efficient and more memorable experience for runners, supporters and spectators. The increase represents managed and responsible growth for this milestone edition of the race,” she says.

2027 Comrades Marathon entry fees

Entry fees for the 2027 race stay unchanged. The CMA has not increased race entry fees since 2022.

The fees are:

• South African entrants: R1,200

• Rest of Africa entrants: R2,000

• International entrants: R4,500

Runners have two payment options:

• Pay the full entry fee immediately

• Pay 50% when entering and the remaining 50% by 31 January 2027

Failure to pay the outstanding balance by the cut-off date will result in the runner losing their entry and initial payment. The entry will then become available through the substitution process.

Runners with 25 or more Comrades medals will once again receive free entry.

Reduced fees through the Comrades Relief Fund

The Comrades Relief Fund will continue for the 2027 race.

The initiative allows up to 1,500 disadvantaged South African athletes to apply for an entry fee reduction of up to 50%. Successful applicants must pay their reduced fee in full when entering.

Terms and conditions apply. Further details are available on the official Comrades Marathon website.

“In our continuing effort to keep the Comrades Marathon accessible to as many runners as possible, we have once again held entry fees the same, with no increase since 2022,” says Forge.

“We recognise the financial commitment required to prepare for and participate in the race, and we hope that retaining the existing fees, offering a two-instalment part payment option, and continuing the Comrades Relief Fund will assist more runners in pursuing their Comrades dream. Also, as a further acknowledgement of exceptional commitment to the Comrades Marathon, the entry fee will once again be waived for runners who have earned 25 or more Comrades medals.”

Entry window one opens today

The first entry window opens today, Tuesday 25 August, at 10am.

Green Number and Yellow Number entries

Opening date: Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 10am

Closing date: Monday 31 August 2026 at 4.30pm, or earlier if capacity is reached

This window is reserved for:

• Green Number holders with 10 or more Comrades medals

• Yellow Number holders with nine medals who will pursue their Green Number in 2027

Entries work on a first-come, first-served basis. A limit applies to the number of places available.

“This is the third year that Green Number holders are being offered an exclusive early entry opportunity, following the introduction of this entry window ahead of the 2025 race. For the first time, we are delighted to extend this opportunity to Yellow Number holders who will be pursuing their coveted Green Number in 2027,” says Forge.

Amabeadibeadi Charity Entries

Opening date: Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 10am

Closing date: When all available entries are taken

A total of 1,000 Amabeadibeadi Charity Entries will become available during the first entry window.

Participants will pay the applicable base entry fee and a compulsory R10,000 charitable contribution.

Entries work on a first-come, first-served basis and close once all 1,000 places are taken.

“This initiative not only provides runners with an opportunity to secure a guaranteed entry into the historic 100th Comrades Marathon, but also enables them to create a lasting social impact through their participation, as all funds raised through these entries will be directed towards the eight official Amabeadibeadi Charities,” says Forge.

“The initiative has the potential to raise an additional R10 million for our official charity programme, extending the impact of the Comrades Marathon far beyond race day by supporting vulnerable communities, survivors of abuse, humanitarian relief, military veterans and environmental conservation.”

Entry window two for CMA members

Opening date: Wednesday 2 September 2026 at 10am

Closing date: Saturday 5 September 2026 at 10am, or earlier if capacity is reached

The second window is reserved for CMA members who completed their annual membership registration by 18 August 2026.

This window also works on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry numbers will be limited.

Entry window three for the general ballot

Opening date: Wednesday 9 September 2026 at 10am

Closing date: Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 4.30pm

The final window covers general ballot applications.

The ballot draw takes place on Wednesday 23 September. Successful applicants will receive notification immediately after the draw.

The general ballot includes:

• Novice runners

• Back-to-back runners

• South African entrants

• Rest of Africa entrants

• International entrants

• Runners who do not qualify for the first two entry windows

“The three-stage entry process has been designed to recognise the heritage and loyalty that lie at the heart of the Comrades Marathon, while managing the extraordinary demand expected for the 100th edition in a fair and responsible manner,” says Forge.

“The protected entry windows recognise the longstanding commitment of our Green and Yellow Number holders and CMA Members. The ballot also provides a fairer opportunity to all applying runners, notably those who do not have immediate access to the entry platform when entries open.”

Back-to-back runners who fail to secure an entry through the 2027 general ballot will retain their status for the next Comrades Marathon for which they qualify.

“The CMA is also committed to protecting the Back-to-back journey. Runners who are unsuccessful in securing an entry through the General Ballot in 2027 will have their Back-to-back status honoured in the next Comrades Marathon that they qualify to participate in,” says Forge.

How to enter the 2027 Comrades Marathon

All entries will take place online.

Runners must enter through:

• The Comrades Marathon website at comrades.com

• The Comrades Marathon app

Entry FAQs will also appear on the website and app.

International and Rest of Africa packages

International and Rest of Africa entrants seeking guaranteed entry without joining the ballot process have access to packages from Marathon Tours & Travel, the Exclusive Official International Tour Operator for the Comrades Marathon.

Packages include:

• Guaranteed International or Rest of Africa race entry

• Accommodation

• Airport transfers

• Private race transfers

• Meals and celebrations

• Race-week support

• Guidance from an international and local team

• Optional post-race extensions and tours

Qualification requirements

The qualification period runs from 15 June 2026 to 3 May 2027.

Runners are permitted to enter before qualifying. They must complete an approved qualifying event and update their entry profile by 3 May 2027.

The qualifying criteria remain unchanged. Runners must complete an officially timed standard marathon of 42.2km in under five hours.

Qualifying times for longer distances are available on the Comrades Marathon website.

Runners must submit their qualifying information, personal details, medical questionnaire and seeding upgrade requests by 3 May 2027.

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