DURBAN – The 2027 Comrades Marathon will be the largest edition in the race’s history, with organisers increasing the entry cap to accommodate thousands more runners for the 100th running of the iconic ultramarathon.

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) launched the 2027 centenary edition at Kings Park Rugby Stadium in Durban, announcing the sports precinct as the new finish venue for the Down Run in 2027.

The launch revealed the race campaign slogan, “The Greatest Story Ever Run”, which was selected from more than 200 submissions from the Comrades Marathon community. A special 100th edition race logo was also unveiled.

First run in 1921, the Comrades Marathon has taken place nearly every year since, except for five years during the Second World War (1941-45) and two years during the COVID pandemic (2020 and 2021). The 2027 edition will mark both the 100th overall race and the 50th Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

Record-breaking field size

The 28 000-runner cap represents a significant increase from previous editions. The 2025 Down Run holds the current record with 24 172 entries, whilst the 2019 Up Run attracted 24 636 participants.

CMA race director Sue Forge said the decision followed extensive operational planning. “Whilst we want as many runners as responsibly possible to experience this historic centenary race, the safety of our participants, volunteers, spectators and communities remains our foremost priority,” Forge said.

The association is working with host municipalities, emergency services, traffic authorities and operational partners to strengthen traffic management, transport, crowd control and venue operations.

New finish venue and route details

The Kings Park precinct offers significantly more space than previous finish areas. The 2027 route is expected to measure approximately 91km, though the official distance will be confirmed once ongoing roadworks are completed. These roadworks are expected to shorten several sections of the route.

The 2025 Down Run, which finished outside People’s Park near Kings Park, measured 89,98km. The longest route in Comrades Marathon history was the 92km course run in 1971.

“The sports fields within the Kings Park precinct offer significantly more space for the finish area and race village, allowing us to create a safer, more efficient and more memorable experience for runners and spectators,” Forge said.

Athletics SA distances itself from event

The centenary edition will proceed without official sanction from Athletics South Africa (ASA), which announced it is distancing itself from the Comrades Marathon and will not include it in official race calendars.

ASA said the decision is due to the event organisers failing to comply with governance and regulatory frameworks. Despite repeated discussions, ASA said the Comrades organisers had not satisfied requirements necessary for sanctioning.

“The organisers have not satisfied the requirements necessary for sanctioning under the constitution, rules and regulations of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics, Athletics South Africa and World Athletics,” ASA said.

On 1 August, CMA members voted not to affiliate with either ASA or KZN Athletics (KZNA). The CMA argued there is no legal requirement for the event to be affiliated with these groups and that it can be run independently.

“We are confident that we have the resources, experience, and commitment to continue presenting a world-class event,” said CMA chairman Mark Leathers.

ASA said it has a duty to ensure all events in South Africa are governed by a consistent framework, without exception. “These requirements apply equally to all event organisers and cannot be selectively applied or disregarded,” ASA said.

“Athletics South Africa confirms that the 100th Comrades Marathon has not been authorised or sanctioned through KwaZulu-Natal Athletics and formally distances itself from the organisation, administration and conduct of the event.”

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Economic impact and entry process

The Comrades Marathon is one of the biggest sporting events in South Africa and has a global reputation for its difficulty and long history. The 2026 event is estimated to have contributed approximately R1 billion in economic value, with R210 million in direct visitor spending. The event boosts the tourism industry in KwaZulu-Natal, with a large number of international and domestic visitors.

Entry fees will remain unchanged from 2022 levels. The entry process opens on Tuesday 25 August 2026 in three phases. Green Number Club athletes and Yellow Numbers will access the first window, followed by CMA members in the second window, and general entries in the third phase.

CMA general manager Alain Dalais said the campaign slogan honours the race’s rich history. “The Comrades Marathon has such a rich history, from the pioneers of the 1920s who ran to pay tribute to their comrades in arms from the Great War, to the hundreds of thousands of runners who have shaped the legacy of this phenomenal event,” Dalais said.

ALSO READ: The Comrades Marathon: A legacy of endurance, camaraderie and triumph of the human spirit