The 2027 Comrades Marathon will be the largest edition in the race’s history, with organisers raising the entry cap to 28 000 runners for the 100th running of the iconic ultramarathon.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) launched the centenary edition at Kings Park Rugby Stadium in Durban, announcing the sports precinct as the new finish venue. The campaign slogan, “The Greatest Story Ever Run”, was chosen from more than 200 community submissions and a special 100th edition logo was unveiled.
First run in 1921, the race has taken place nearly every year since, except for five years during the Second World War and two during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 2027 edition marks both the 100th overall race and the 50th down-run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
The 28 000-runner cap is a significant increase from previous editions. The 2025 down-run holds the current record with 24 172 entries, while the 2019 up-run attracted 24 636 participants.
CMA race director Sue Forge said the decision followed extensive operational planning. “While 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,” she said.
The Kings Park precinct offers more space than previous finish areas. The 2027 route is expected to measure approximately 91 km, though the official distance will be confirmed once roadworks are completed.
The 2025 down-run measured 89,98 km, while the longest route in the race’s history was the 92 km course of 1971.
The centenary edition will proceed without official sanction from Athletics South Africa (ASA), which said it is distancing itself from the event because organisers failed to comply with governance and regulatory frameworks.
“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 Saturday 1 August, CMA members voted not to affiliate with ASA or KZN Athletics, arguing there is no legal requirement to do so.
CMA chairperson Mark Leathers said: “We are confident that we have the resources, experience and commitment to continue presenting a world-class event.”
Entry fees will remain unchanged from 2022 levels. The entry process opened on Tuesday 25 August in three phases, starting with Green Number Club and Yellow Number athletes, followed by CMA members, then general entries.
The 2026 event is estimated to have contributed approximately R1 billion in economic value, with R210 million in direct visitor spending.
